Good day Ladies

Anonymous

October 7,2021 at 12:59PM UTC

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Good day Ladies

I was employed in a private company in 2016-2020 July when COVID started. We received emails about the the retrenchment process, it was last in out. We were a team of 6 I was no 2. I was Number 3 was retrenched ,her mother was was working for the company asked the bosses not to retrench her daughter. I was retrenched with no reason they revealed my one month poor performance in 2019.

In December 2020 I was called back because no 6 resigned, I was called nothing was discussed I was asked to sign a 3 months contract with a lower salary and more responsibilities.

After 3 months I asked about my contract it was extended verbally with 6months . The are rumours that no 6 wants to come back because she was pregnant she has a baby now.

My problem is that I don not know where I stand , can not discuss with my managers they are grumpy, I don't know cause am the only African person in the team and desperate for a job.

Am always scared if I would be told to leave anytime.

Please advise. Thanks

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AnonymousOctober 8,2021 at 2:25PM UTC
Do you like working for this company? Is there any other job that might interest you? It may be worth looking around and doing a passive job search while all of this is going on.
Allison RuffnerOctober 11,2021 at 12:37PM UTC
This doesn't seem like a place that has a good future for you. They are probably only too happy they got you back for less money. They don't want to discuss anything because it's not convenient for them.
The job market is actually quite strong right now. I don't know what you do, but, unless you have some specific reasons for this company, I would encourage you to look around and see what else is out there.
BethBOctober 11,2021 at 12:46PM UTC
It may not have anything to do with being African. It may be that you aren’t doing the best job or that they are trying to save money. It does sound like they don’t want to discuss it with you.
It doesn’t really matter. The upshot is your last sentence. You are always scared you will be asked to leave. That’s a crappy way to live. Why not explore your options while you still have a job? I bet you will be surprised by the options. You deserve better than living in fear and the anxiety it brings.
AnonymousOctober 11,2021 at 1:37PM UTC
Has the employer said to you: you’re being retrenched first because you’re African, of we’re citing poor performance because of your skin color? You’re making very serious allegations that don’t quite fit into your narrative about an unstable workplace that fell victim to Covid, like so many other workplaces.
You made a choice to return to this employer and you agreed to a contract position with lower pay and more responsibility. It’s high time to assert yourself and formalize the verbal contract extension with something in writing. Right now, it sounds like you’ve got a bucket of nothing with this employer. You’re not there to be friends with your employer so power through what you describe as grumpy leadership and advocate for yourself. Suffering is a choice and I’m hard pressed to think there aren’t other jobs out there.
AnonymousOctober 11,2021 at 2:39PM UTC
This really does not seem like the best professional environment for you. I am sorry to say but if I were you, I would begin seeking other opportunities. You deserve better regardless of your skin color!!
Healthcare workerOctober 11,2021 at 2:45PM UTC
You stand in a place where they are using you to meet their needs but do not value you. Get looking for a better company this one sounds like utter trash.
AnonymousOctober 11,2021 at 4:11PM UTC
Agree with the others - time to look for something else. My guess is, you are a "temp" contractor to handle the maternity leave of #6. When she comes back then you are probably right, you are out. If you feel this way, and they won't commit to you by providing you something permanent, then you should listen to your instincts - they are usually spot on. The job market is really strong right now - lots of opportunities - go find one that values you and your contribution. Good luck!
Lynda BoothOctober 11,2021 at 4:39PM UTC
You do not want to work in a place that causes you stress. You want to be happy. You obviously have the skills to do the job, so take those skills and find a company that values you as an employee.
Toni Rucker HayesOctober 11,2021 at 9:12PM UTC
I was in a similar situation once. There was just over 100 employees and I was the only African American (Black) person. This was back in the late 1980's and it was horrible. I never allowed myself to get in that position again. It doesn't sound like the place is a good fit so I would definitely keep an eye out for other employment opportunities. Until then, I would definitely keep a work diary, The more you can document, the better. Hopefully you'll find something better soon. Good luck!