How would you take this?

SATSUMA · 20-12-2015 8:12pm #1

I recently got my employment contract renewed for 6 months. The boss said "the only thing that saves you is "Ali" is on maternity leave in 6 weeks"... (Ali is much junior to me).

I find this really rude! Like basically I'm only being employed because they need maternity cover... but saying that they do not suffer fools gladly and I'd be gone if they weren't happy with my work. It just doesn't sit well with me at all. I'm really hurt by it!

Any views?

Eric Cartman · 20-12-2015 8:28pm

it could be that the business isn't doing too well, if they haven't taken on any new staff in the last year id say this is quite likely the reason.

Whether its a personal jibe or not I personally wouldn't care about, no matter what it is id be looking for other employment as its clear your in the sights to be gotten rid of.

screamer · 20-12-2015 8:32pm

I think you need to look at what your boss didn't say. Let me paraphrase - we only renewed your contract because we are shortstaffed as Ali is going on maternity leave when she gets back there'll be no room for you.OP my advise get something else lined up for yourself ASAP and get out of there.

strandroad · 20-12-2015 8:34pm

It is a rude thing to say.
Was it a reflection on how they see your performance or on the shape the business is in?
Either way, keep looking for a better job!

Senna · 20-12-2015 8:36pm

I would take it as we don't have the budget to keep you on, but thankfully with Ali being off in 6 weeks we can keep you on.

Only you would know how to take this comment.

SATSUMA · 20-12-2015 8:50pm

Op here. Thanks all for comments. I actually have a new job lined up for the end of January but I was torn between the two as this pays better!!! Decision made!

LegacyUser · 21-12-2015 12:21am

SATSUMA wrote: »

I recently got my employment contract renewed for 6 months. The boss said "the only thing that saves you is "Ali" is on maternity leave in 6 weeks"... (Ali is much junior to me).

I find this really rude! Like basically I'm only being employed because they need maternity cover... but saying that they do not suffer fools gladly and I'd be gone if they weren't happy with my work. It just doesn't sit well with me at all. I'm really hurt by it!

Any views?

Are you a contractor? If so, this is perfectly understandable. So they couldn't afford / didn't need you, until they knew someone was going to be off on mat leave. They may not have even wanted you, for their own reasons, if they weren't short staffed. Way of the world of contracting OP, and you really need to get over it.

If you're permie, that's a different discussion.

Ursus Horribilis · 21-12-2015 1:22am

I wouldn't necessarily say it's rude but is your boss's way of telling you that your days are numbered. It's definitely a shot across the bows. It may not even be anything personal. They might be looking at what you do and reckon they could employ someone else to do your job in lower wages. Or that the company could keep going with less staff than they have now. Either way, I'm glad to see you've found another job.

porsche boy · 24-12-2015 5:54pm

That is sooo unprofessional and mean. I'd say look for a new job and, take time off for interviews and if asked tell prospective employers you can start immediately. Don't do any favours for this guy; even better to leave him high and dry. I absolutely hate bosses that have a power buzz. Treat everyone equal and show respect at all times.

power pants · 25-12-2015 7:27pm

porsche boy wrote: »

That is sooo unprofessional and mean. I'd say look for a new job and, take time off for interviews and if asked tell prospective employers you can start immediately. Don't do any favours for this guy; even better to leave him high and dry. I absolutely hate bosses that have a power buzz. Treat everyone equal and show respect at all times.

Absolute nonsense. op is a contractor their contract was coming to an end but was now extended. The only reason being someone permanent in the office will be absent.

The manager is just informing op as a contractor that the reason the contract is being extended is not because they are thinking of taking her on permanently, not because they are delighted in particular with work, just that they are short staffed for another 6 months.

Its just telling you, you have another 6 months then we are letting you go

nothing mean or improper imo.

LegacyUser · 26-12-2015 11:52am

I worked in a job before, where literally week to week, id be extended. And it could be to cover X's sick leave, or Y's extra 3 months maternity (they were all permanent, I wasn't).

I didn't take it personally (which you seem to be doing) as it is a business need.

Where it didn't satsify me was that I'd no idea if in 2 weeks Id have an income to pay the olde bills. So, eventually I did leave, but not because I thought it was rude of them to explain in my contract why I was there.

rainbowtrout · 29-12-2015 2:50pm

I don't understand the OP's outrage. Maybe the business can't afford to keep her on, but as another employee is going on maternity leave, they have some work available, so rather than letting her go now, they are going to tide her over with work for the next 6 weeks and then have her cover the maternity leave.

What exactly is the big deal here?

Realistically there are no long term prospects in this job, so it's up to the OP whether they stay for the next 6 months or not or take the other job.

GFT · 29-12-2015 2:57pm

Say nothing except thanks for the opportunity and give your contracted notice. Nothing is worth working for an asshole OP.

Ursus Horribilis · 29-12-2015 2:58pm

OP has another job lined up...

Matteroffact · 30-12-2015 10:14pm

You are right OP, the Boss could have been more professional in the way he/she worded this. He/she could have explained it better by saying "sorry we don't have enough work here at the moment to employ you on a permanent basis, but due to the fact that Ali is going on maternity leave we can offer you another 6 months contract". Having a bit of finesse doesn't cost anything but some people just don't have it. Don't take it personally OP your Boss is just plain ignorant.

LegacyUser · 30-12-2015 10:39pm

Matteroffact wrote: »

You are right OP, the Boss could have been more professional in the way he/she worded this. He/she could have explained it better by saying "sorry we don't have enough work here at the moment to employ you on a permanent basis, but due to the fact that Ali is going on maternity leave we can offer you another 6 months contract". Having a bit of finesse doesn't cost anything but some people just don't have it. Don't take it personally OP your Boss is just plain ignorant.

Of course it would be nice to have the message sugar-coated, but OP is a contractor. So unless OP has specific skills that the permies don't have, the position is always going to be the same: that you are only covering for a permie, your skills aren't valued/unique, and that's the only reason why you're being kept on. I've contracted for 15 years. This is just the way of the world in contracting. The OP needs to get over that, or else get a permanent job, where bosses sugar-coat things in fear of HR involvement. Honestly, I know lots of contractors, and if any of them took umbrage at this situation, I'd advise them to get out of contracting as they just aren't suited to it.

How would you take this?

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