Need Help: Should I ask this question during probation period?

[katelee]

Hi everyone. I do not have a lot of experience and I am facing something I feel confused.
I am currently working in my probation period in a telecom company and January will be my last month of probation. In case of something bad happens, I applied for college before and got admission for January entrance. So it is time for me to choose either to go to college or to stay working toward the end of my probation. However, I am afraid if there is any chance that I will not be able to stay permanent, so should I talk to the employer and ask whether they will keep me or not in order to make a decision or should I stay silient and work hard?

Thank you for your input

[jdmkidd]

You usually know when you passed your probation within yourself. If you have been working hard and meeting job requirements you should be fine. On the other hand if you have not been up to par with the job you will know also.

[katelee]

Yes, I know that I am doing this job well. However, I am just afraid of in case something happens. Since I already got a Master Degree, will they think that I am over qualified or something?
I applied for post graduate college program with co op, just as a transition for another job if I can not keep this one.

[Engi-Nir]

Yes, I know that I am doing this job well. However, I am just afraid of in case something happens. Since I already got a Master Degree, will they think that I am over qualified or something?
I applied for post graduate college program with co op, just as a transition for another job if I can not keep this one.

if they have already spent 3 months with you, chances are they will keep you on board..if they felt there were any reasons why you are not a good fit personality wise or technically, they would have spoke to you about your performance.. Not to say, there are managers out there that would sit quiet, and then tell you sorry, you did not fit with the organization, interms of your job abilities,etc...But that is rare. Only times I could see a reason why they will not want to keep you on board is
1) you job was openned because someone went on mat leave, leave of absense,etc, and they needed someone in the mean time
2) If there were really loaded with work, and they needed short term help
3) if they are not really teaching you anything new, rather have you doing the same thing over and over again, which becomes questionable, unless you are told this is what the job does all day long
4)unless you were told upfront in the hiring process, we are really looking for a 3month tenture(contract)...UNLESS of course, if they finished it off with...upon 3month completion, chances are it will lead to full time position...
anyways, let me know where you fall in the above...or what your scenario was...if they felt you are over qualified from the gecco, they will have not hired you in the first place...they would be happy they got you cheap :D and yes, everyone switches job, no employer can control who leaves there company and who doesn't...they could easily hire someone that is more suitable for the position, but what is the guarantee they will be around also...all is iffie in the corporate...

[katelee]

Thank you for your detailed analysis. My situation falls in 1 and 4.
First, I came here because some one left on vocation and they needed short term help. Then they feel they need person and I might be a good fit and then I underwent three week training and stay
They told me that my probation would be three months and then have the chance to turn permanent(real or not). There are another person undergoes the same probation period as me,
In terms of teaching new things? I really doubt that, maybe this is what their business runs all day, but I do not see a lot of new things to learn. At first one month, there were a lot to learn, but now, just repetitative admin and tech drawing everyday, other people do the same thing too.
So I really wonder whether I should talk with someone before I lost the chance for college and end up been told that I could not stay.

Do you have any idea about my situation? I really appreciate your help
By the way, I was placed by an agency at first, and they told me it is the policy of agency that I have to work for them for at least three months before turn me into permanent and they also take these time as probation.

[qster]

You need to clarify something.
Are you currently employed by your employer (a FT position and paid by them) or are you paid by the agency that placed you?

You have a right as ask your boss regarding your position at any time. This way it gives you time to look for alternatives in the event you are discharged prior to your probationary period ending.

[katelee]

Thanks, I am still paid by the agency now, there are also other people placed by the agency first and after working for agency 4 months, turn to be permanent. As I said, they have an agreement with the agency that I have to work for the agency for three months before turning me into permanent and they would also take that time period as a probation. Thanks again

[Engi-Nir]

Well, you have gone a 3 week training, 25% of your term was in training, money already spent on you, and I would suspect they offered you training after that comment about good fit and they needed someone, like yourself. Sometimes, call me crazy, but they like the new hire better than the one who does the job, and good opportunity to can the other person..companies are sneaky!...
but lets go with the assumption they require more help and you will be a good person to be employed with the organization,and they have proved that with the 3 week training, otherwise, no company will do a 3 week training, too costly, otherwise, what are they doing, training you so that you can go elsewhere with you profound knowledge :)
tech drawings? r u in engineering? Agencies don't know jack half the time, they mission is, get you in and they get paid a certain portion of your wage, if you decide to leave in the mist of it, they lose money!, so they will tell you the world to keep you there, and honestly, don't trust a recruiter or an agency, keep your eyes open!
Are you a couple of weeks from completion of your 3months? Normally, a company will start the paper work a week or 2 prior to your term ending..If you are couple of weeks away, do go and sit down with your supervisor(manager) and discuss what the companies long term plans are for you, tell them, that you will need to seek employment elsewhere,etc...they should be very understanding at this of your situtation also, you have bills to pay. At this point, the manager will give you clear indications, and as gentlemen above said, there is nothing wrong with ASKING... and DO NOT mention anything about additional studies! this will not work in your favour, as they will know automatically know you will not stick around, you mind will not be on job,etc..
Start the conversation with, you have been here for bit over 2months now, and you definitely like your job, the people, etc...however, you are in a bit of uncertainity to your future with the company given your employment term is coming to an end, and would like to know where you stand...
oh yeah, just word the whole discussions how you would, but the key is, always say good things about the positions, people, environment/culture of the company and then get to the hard facts...am I in or not..otherwise i need to look for employment elsewhere.

[katelee]

Thank you, it is really nice of you to tell me that. All the best and good luck!

[qster]

I would check with your boss and/or your agency rep. to find out this week so you know where you stand before the end of the month.

Usually if your boss doesn't say anything, check with the agency as they mostly will know before hand for payroll purposes.

Then you can plan your future with the company or head back to school.

[katelee]

Thank you, everyone, good luck and best wishes