Skills aren’t up to standard

[hairyunicorn]

I’m honestly gutted and don’t really know what to do with myself.

I’ve been at my current company for 2 years and absolutely loved it there. Best company I’ve ever worked for by a mile. Great people, lovely culture, treated staff well, genuinely enjoyed going to work every day.

They’re moving into a bigger office, and I found out today that they won’t be taking me with them because apparently, my “skills aren’t up to standard” for where they’re heading next.

The worst part is that this has come from the very top boss, not my direct manager. My manager is really upset about it, disagrees with the decision, and has already offered me a glowing reference and said she’s reaching out to her network for me. Which I appreciate so much.

But I still feel awful. Embarrassed, shocked, scared, all of it really.
I’m only a contractor so it’s not like I can really fight it. I know contractors are easier to let go, but it still hurts because I genuinely cared about the place and worked hard.

And the job market feels horrific right now. I’m panicking a bit, wondering what happens next and whether I’ll actually find something decent again.
Has anyone been through similar and come out the other side okay?

Yes, I’ve been through similar and I say don’t let the grass grow under your feet. Accept the glowing reference and any introductions your line manager can make. Do not consider that the big boss might be right - the time for self-reflection is after you have secured your next job. Best of luck! 💐

Is there anything you can do training wise to get you to where they think you need to be?

You may want to take some advice. If you have a line manager at the company , and you have been there 2 years you may have employment rights.

She’s a contractor. Would the same rules apply?

I’m not qualified to give advice really. But as I understand it you can’t be self employed if you have a line manager and only work for one client, who tells you where to be and at what time. You can then have rights like an employee.

Ah fuck it. It’s not like they really know you and your work. Your direct manager does, and they were perfectly satisfied. Just crack on and find something else. I reckon they were trying to save money.

Is it that they need a different set of skills that you don't have rather than your skills for the current role aren't up to standard?

This.

Have been told they want to go with someone more senior.

I have only been in the role for 18months, not a full 2 years yet. ;(

This. Company may not be doing well and/or cutting staff costs. Almost impossible to let a permanent member of staff go, but easy to cull a contractor. You have been given this story in case anyone asks why you’re going.

My manager has been an absolute star, she has rewritten my C.V over night and sent it out to her contacts to see if there are any roles available. I could cry.

She has also suggested that there may be a payout if I leave before my contract ends. Keeping my fingers crossed big time.

As has been suggested. Gonna keep my head up and keep hoping