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I think i was unfairly critiqued in my probation report....

18 replies

Squareblob · 25/02/2026 13:27

Would you "do" anyhting?

My situation is slightly unusual in that I took early retirement and then a big step back to do some part time work, losely related to my old job. I was previously going a job very similar to my new boss' although for a different, much bigger organisation, and therefore better paid/more senior.

I've enjoyed it and felt boss and I got on quite well. I was initially worried she might feel threatened by my experience, and went out of my way not to "show" my knowledge, to stick to my lane iyswim, but actually she has approached me to "pick my brains" several times. Which is fine.

All my feedback has been good and I passed my probation.

I was recently asked to take on an extra piece of work, doing additional hours against a tight timescale. I was asked because the two people who would usually do it were unable to find the time. They were desperate, and although I didn't especially wan the extra work, I took it on to help out, and completed it in a tight timescale around by other commitments, including working until 10pm one evening. Which is OK, I was paid for the time etc, but that's the kind of adjustment I had to make to be able to take it on. It was something I have some knowledge of from my previous role, but that I had never done myself before.

Anyway, the people I was working "for" on that piece of work gave very strong feedback and were very grateful to have someone step up and get it done within the statutory deadline.

Then my boss saw the report I wrote and felt some of the punctuation wrong. I don't claim to be any expert, she's probably right, but also three other intelligent people had read it without finding fault, and I do think some of her errors were simply preference, and could be considered correct either way. She has included a comment on the failings in her remarks on my final probation report.

My main complaint though is that I took this work on as a favour, when they were at risk of not meeting statutory deadlines, it was outside my experience, which they knew, and it doesn't form part of the role the probation report relates to, so shouldn't be mentioned there at all.

However, I passed the probation. It's highly.unlikely anyone will ever see the report and she retires at the end of next month anyway. If i make a fuss, more people, including possibly my new boss will know about it all.

Part of me wants to make this point, but I know its probably best not to. I wouldn't if I had any career aspirations, but currently I'll work there until I stop enjoying it and them I'll leave. This has pissed me off much more than a little PT retirement job should!

OP posts:
Frangardens · 25/02/2026 13:37

So the one comment is that you had poor punctuation on just one report?

Frangardens · 25/02/2026 13:38

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HerbertVonDoodlebug · 25/02/2026 13:46

It’s a dick move but honestly don’t worry about it, it’s not worth your brain space. Manager is retiring anyway so you won’t have to have any more reviews with her. Have a rant to your partner/ friends to get it off your chest then try not to give it another thought.

Squareblob · 25/02/2026 13:48

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It's possible but I don't think so, as they didn't only not complain to me, all three emailed me to thank me for a job well done, which they didn't need to do.

OP posts:
Frangardens · 25/02/2026 13:52

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Moltenpink · 25/02/2026 13:52

I feel sometimes as a manager, you are expected to show some constructive criticism and she may have just been grasping at straws if you’re quite near perfect (which it sounds like you are)

RosesAndHellebores · 25/02/2026 13:55

Nod and smile. She's leaving.

MotherWol · 25/02/2026 14:06

Try to put it out of your mind - you've passed probation, it's unlikely anyone will see the report, and even if they did, a comment about punctuation in one report isn't going to matter at all.

decorationday · 25/02/2026 18:32

HerbertVonDoodlebug · 25/02/2026 13:46

It’s a dick move but honestly don’t worry about it, it’s not worth your brain space. Manager is retiring anyway so you won’t have to have any more reviews with her. Have a rant to your partner/ friends to get it off your chest then try not to give it another thought.

I understand why you're miffed but I agree with this. No good will come of saying anything and you might end up with your card being marked by the people who you'll still be working for.

MayaPinion · 25/02/2026 18:36

Sometimes people comment on the punctuation just to show they’ve read it. If that was the only fault she could find you’ve done very well.

decorationday · 25/02/2026 18:48

MayaPinion · 25/02/2026 18:36

Sometimes people comment on the punctuation just to show they’ve read it. If that was the only fault she could find you’ve done very well.

Or to be helpful.

Although generally if that's their motivation, they won't be describing it as a failing.

It is difficult to point out errors like that without people getting defensive though. I hate being asked to proofread.

If they seemed like "preference" rather than strict errors then it may also have been about her wanting to guide you towards the organisation's style or voice. (Or you might be wrong about them only being preference - I once had someone argue the toss with me about a made up spelling that definitely was wrong.)

Kirschcherries · 25/02/2026 19:48

@Squareblob I know it’s hard but because she is retiring in a month I would let it go. Your manager was clearly miffed you did so well and it was a cheap shot on their part. As you say no one else will see the comments try to let it go - not easy I appreciate.

If your manager was staying on I would challenge it.

Squareblob · 25/02/2026 19:55

MayaPinion · 25/02/2026 18:36

Sometimes people comment on the punctuation just to show they’ve read it. If that was the only fault she could find you’ve done very well.

I didn't object to her commenting or pointing out the errors/preferences. I don't think it was necessary or appropriate to do it on my probation report though.

OP posts:
ReprogramNeeded · 25/02/2026 20:08

I'd repeat the 'errors', Oxford comma or whatever, in a sentence on her leaving card.
She's obviously been insecure about you being more experienced than her,and has found a way to make herself feel better. Sad!

decorationday · 25/02/2026 20:14

No, the probation report part was unnecessary, I agree. Some people are unfortunately like that. But she's leaving and nobody is ever likely to look at your probation report again now that box has been ticked.

WhatWouldRoyKentSay · 25/02/2026 22:54

ReprogramNeeded · 25/02/2026 20:08

I'd repeat the 'errors', Oxford comma or whatever, in a sentence on her leaving card.
She's obviously been insecure about you being more experienced than her,and has found a way to make herself feel better. Sad!

😁 I'd do this. There could be a lot of scope for some fun (and she'll know OP read her probation report).

usedtobeaylis · 26/02/2026 08:25

I would struggle to let that go as well, commenting about it on your probationary isn't appropriate.

sarahd89 · 27/02/2026 12:37

Oh I completely get why this has got under your skin, it's the principle isn't it? You stepped up, did them a favour under pressure, and got nitpicked on punctuation for your trouble. That would irritate anyone. But honestly love, you've already answered your own question. You passed probation, she's gone in a month, and making a fuss risks more eyes on something that will otherwise gather dust in a drawer forever. Let it go, enjoy watching her retire, and save your energy for the bits of the job you actually like. You know your worth, that's what matters.

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