Contract to hire...not so much

Anonymous

May 4,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

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Contract to hire...not so much

I was hired about 8 months ago for what seemed to be a contract-to-hire position. I was assured that it was more of a formality and everything seemed pretty positive. I told the company my concerns about leaving my permanent, full-time position for a contractor role, but was again assured that it was "just how things were done here". After 3 months I checked in with them to see what the onboarding process would be like for the permanent position. I was told due to "unforeseen circumstances" that the company was going through, it was delayed. I looked at the original contract I signed and realized that it was an "ongoing" contract with no formal end date ( my bad I should have read the fine print). But weeks seem to pass and I feel as though nothing is happening. I will get the occasional "Things are moving forward, you will be brought on soon." But here I am, with nothing still. I guess I am wondering what my next move should be? I like my job and my company, my only issue here is I feel like I am being lied to and ignored.

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AnonymousMay 4,2022 at 1:54PM UTC
Ugh... this is so tough. Question, how established is this company? I ask, because if it's a start-up or sm. business, they might not be lying. I'm in a start-up environment, in HR, and I'm dealing with these situations as well. I am currently holding on to 2 permanent contracts waiting to be approved because funding is all over the place. I'm having to have similar conversations with these team members as your leaders are with you. I don't think you're being ignored. I think they're just in a position where they can't offer more info. If you love it, hang in there. I'm hoping my ppl will hang in here also.
AnonymousMay 4,2022 at 2:31PM UTC
They are a mix of both an established company and as start up. The devision I am in is start up and treated like a start up if that helps (I know its confusing for me too :P )
AnonymousMay 4,2022 at 7:22PM UTC
With this in mind, I honestly feel your company may be in the same situation as mine. They may have legitimate movements that are taking time to come to fruition. Keep your lines of communication open and keep raising your questions. I hope this all gets sorted soon for you.
AnonymousMay 4,2022 at 2:48PM UTC
Classic bait & switch. Happens all the time.
Anne KrookMay 4,2022 at 4:31PM UTC
You should update your resume and start looking for work. Anything not in writing with dates and numbers is not a promise, only a sign of how the company handles itself. Now you have information about how the company handles itself, and you should alter your level of trust and expectations accordingly.
AnonymousMay 4,2022 at 6:58PM UTC
If they knew your position was permanent they would have made it such. Or, as a company, only the squeaky wheel gets the lube. Either way you should look around.
AnonymousMay 5,2022 at 1:56AM UTC
You are being lied to. Trust your gut. A genuine employer should be able to give you concrete facts so you know exactly where you stand upfront. So if you are not getting clear feedback, move on. And if they reach out to you to offer you a permanent bid make sure it is in fine print but also weigh the frustrating experience it took you to get to that point.