Hi

6 Comments

1. Terrie McWhorterOctober 18,2023 at 2:11PM UTC

   Um....extending the probationary period? NO....I would email the boss (for documentation) and just simply say... I have been thinking about your declaration that you were extending the probationary period and the more I consider it, the more unfair it seems. If you feel that I am not working out well with the company, I would appreciate that feedback so that I can work to improve any shortcomings that you find. However, simply extending the probationary period to extend it, isn't right. I would like the opportunity to discuss this with you..... Then you are showing that you are willing to improve (if that is in fact what they are wanting) OR they can pay you unemployment. Best of luck

2. AnonymousOctober 23,2023 at 3:15PM UTC

   This is good advice. Your manager should be able to openly communicate any issues with your productivity or performance. I also agree that actively reaching out my show the initiative to try to improve. However, you need that feedback first. Good luck!

3. AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 1:09PM UTC

   I agree with another poster that this is definitely not good news for you.
   I'm so sorry to hear about your sick mother and I understand your interest in wanting to take time off to care for her.

   But I sense your employer has significant concerns because you're still very early in your tenure. I'm conflicted on how to weigh in on your question because of this.

   I previously had someone that worked for me that started calling out of work within her first week. The absences started to pile up and it actually hindered her training and onboarding. It brought her workload to a screeching halt. We had filled this position but nothing about the new employee was additive to the team.

   To be clear, I'm not suggesting this is the case with you but you're manager is obviously hung up on some part of your employment and this request for leave that is resulting in their non-answer of your leave request. It sounds like she's trying to extend your probationary period so she has an easier time terminating you. Your boss is dumping work on your because they're paying you to perform a service. I'm not sure this will go away.

   I'd have a Plan B in my back pocket. It sounds like if you move forward with this leave, your job will end. Best of luck in your next steps.

4. AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 1:20PM UTC

   I'm so sorry about your mother, that must be such a stressful time personally for you and during a time when there is pressure on you at work. First and foremost, your manager does not sound like an empathetic leader who is able to support you as a person and employee so already I would question if this job/company/boss is a good fit for you. If you do want to stay at the company, I would reach out to HR to learn more about how the company supports employees who are caring for ill family members. My father is also ill and our company has supported me in being able to attend appointments with him through compassionate leave and our employee policies and benefits. HR should be able to tell you what those policies are - just be careful not to share your manager's response with HR - it's likely to get back to them and could make the situation worse.

5. AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 1:37PM UTC

   I am so sorry about your mom. I am a cancer survivor and illnesses do cause stress in families. I am reading that the company is unfair in extending your probationary period. However, they could be extending it to provide you a little time to work through your situation with your mom. As hard as it is to accept, they could terminate you now anyway in your probationary period if you are having attendance or performance issues, which you stated yourself. It is a hard decision for a company to make in working with a brand new employee that has attendance or performance issues right out of the gate. They do have a company to run and there is a fine line they have to walk. As far as policies regarding absenteeism they must be fair and consistent in their practices with everyone. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer for you, but I would not immediately assume the worse. You are not eligible for FMLA for one year after employment. Maybe if you sit down with your manager and let her know that you realize this has affected your work and try to seek some common ground for the short term. Perhaps you could work something out to either work some from home or work with someone to stay with your mom so you can get to work on at least a part time basis. Ask your manager if there is any latitude and what she might suggest, since you are in this situation that you did not plan.

6. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdOctober 19,2023 at 7:14PM UTC

   Firstly, I'm so very sorry to hear about your mother. While I can't imagine what you're actually dealing with... Having dealt with an ill parent myself, I do empathize.

   If your mom's health is going to affect your work, perhaps it's best you leave the job altogether. Do you take care of your mother? If so, your state may offer financial compensation for you doing so.

   My final concern is the company saying they'll "extend" a probationary period. Why? Most companies have usually 3 -4 months. I'm worried that with such a long probationary period, they could be benefitting from people doing projects they need done, and then letting them go without having to make a firm commitment to hiring.