Job Hunting whilst in a Probation period for a job I’m not sure I’ll pass, nor want to

OzzyWonder · February 2020

Hi all,

So I have been working at this company in a desk job for about 4-5 months now and after taking a look around I realised that I’m really quite unhappy in this role. My team leader is fairly nice, not the best but certainly not the worst superior I’ve had in a workplace.

I have about 4 weeks left and the role is so out of my own depth and knowledge I am not sure even if I tried my hardest I’d pass it. Even if I did I’d still want to leave ASAP as I just have no passion for the position whatsoever.

My question is this: Should I tell my Team Leader that I don’t think I’m going to pass my probation and that I’m currently looking for another job in a different industry?

There is a large divide on when to tell and when to keep it a secret about looking for another job whilst still employed, but nothing I have looked into has given me any insight into my specific circumstance. I keep thinking it might be a good idea since my role is almost definitely going to come to an end in a month and it might make convincing my Team Lead to let me go to the occasional interview during working hours, plus might give them a head start on finding my replacement so they’re not short staffed come the end of my likely-to-be-failed probationary period.

Tommyb92 · February 2020

Hi @OzzyWonder Thanks for your post, I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulties in your role. I know exactly how you feel, so you arent alone in feeling that. I was like that in my old role. I suggest you dont say anything to your manager just yet, when you have a moment, I suggent looking at roles away from your desk and not on a device connected to their internet as you never know if this will come back to get you.

Have you spoken about your feelings to a close family member or friend? we are all here for you.

Thanks Tom

janer1967 · February 2020

@OzzyWonder Hello and welcome to the community, I am an ex human resource manager and I wouldn't suggest telling your manager you are thinking of leaving. Have you had any feedback from them on your performance which leads you to think you wont pass ?. I know you don't like your role but I would advise you stay in it as long as possible I always find its easier to find work while employed. Also if you leave voluntarily without another job this could affect your entitlement to claim any benefits. Don't concern yourself with giving them time to find a replacement that is what notice periods are there for. Maybe register with some employment agencies and also use indeed.co.uk to register for job searches, linkedin is also a good site. Any other help you want just let us know and good luck keep us updated

woodbine · February 2020

I agree keep the job as long as possible and say nothing, and never (if possible) leave one job until you have a written offer of a new job.

Frankie91 · February 2020

Hi @OzzyWonder,
Sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having. I have been in this position myself and know how emotionally draining it can be.
Are you having regular meetings with your supervisor and have they directly told you that you are at risk of not passing your probation? This should have been a conversation long before the end of the probation period and an action plan put in place.
I would suggest talking to your supervisor about the particular things you are finding most challenging and a few ideas of what you could do to improve in this area and request some feedback.Even if this is not a job you are enjoying or planning to stay in, this is good practice and you will learn a lot around personal development skills that will benefit you when looking for future jobs. I wouldn't tell them that you are thinking of leaving until you have a written offer of a new job.
Best of luck with your job searching.

LouiseH · February 2020

Hi @OzzyWonder
Sorry that you're not enjoying your current job, I've been there myself and it's not a great place to be in. It's only temporary though and things will change.
I wouldn't say anything to your supervisor, it may be used against you. Finding a replacement is their concern, not yours.
Looking for other jobs may help. Though not on work devices, as this can be traced back to you, I did that myself and got called out on it. I was honest and reminded them that this is only a temporary job, but I was let go not long after.
Ask for feedback both positive and negative at your probation, as it'll help you understand what areas to work on maybe, which you could take to another job.
Plus if you're not that keen on this job and you don't pass the probation then the loss is only financial really, which can be improved by getting another job.
Hope this all helps

Louise

Chloe_Scope · February 2020

Hi @OzzyWonder, sorry to hear this.

I just wanted to check in to see how things were going.

Job Hunting whilst in a Probation period for a job I’m not sure I’ll pass, nor want to

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