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Help me make sense of the 90 day probationary period?
Specifically to my situation:

The handbook said something about 90 day probationary period. I'm now 60 days on the job. So a few days ago, I asked my boss what happens after 90 days. Basically, what she said is that 90 days is just a number (she didn't say it word for word, btw.) People could be canned b4 their 90 days is up if they **** up bad enough. And just bc ppl passed their 90 days doesn't mean they couldn't be canned later. As long as I'm performing well, I shouldn't worry. She also said although I'm kinda kicking ***, I still have room for improvement, like everyone else. I used to have performance issues but no longer. Now I'm like confused. WTF is 90 days anyhow? WHy am I so worried when I shouldn't be?

[mortimer]

At my job we have a 6 month probationary period. It's for our protection, so we don't get stuck with crappy employees.

It's an easy out for us, meaning, we can just boot you and be done with you. People can be pretty good for a month for two, then we start seeing whether or not they'll work out. You can lie in an interview after all. We can also assess their work ethic, and even if they're causing problems with other employees.

We've had problems with money thefts, and it can be hard to prove who did it. This is a way we can protect ourselves a bit.

I have a hard time functioning when I don't know exactly where I stand. What he said kind of makes you feel uncertain, huh?

Just mind your P's and Q's, show up on time, and do your best. You'll be fine.

[splitimage]

Having a probationary period is pretty standard, to make sure you're working out - it's usually 90 days. And often 90 days is the point at which you're eligible to start receiving benefits, contribuing to the pension plan etc. Up here in ON, you can be let go during your first 90 days with no cause or severence given.

I realize its stressful, but just try to focus on doing your best on the job, and you'll probably be fine.

splitimage

Yeah thx, but i'm talking about my specific situation. I hope I ain't ****ing up.

[Nicks_Nose]

It simply sounds like personal stressors. I am the same way. I am in a new job....also in a probationary period and I have made mistakes and am still learning, but I stress about my own work performance more than my coworkers do or my supervisor does. Even when things have gone perfect and we have done very well at a job for years, we can suddenly feel uneasy with different situations coming up.

When I was yougner, I felt c.ockier and more confidence because I was just starting out. Now, at 47, I fear competition with younger employees, physical health, memory loss due to age, etc.

It could also be the opposite. A younger person might feel mroe intimidated, being new to an environment, and in later life, feel more confidence in experience collected.
The 90 day period does not sound any different than other workplaces.

I've been in your shoes many times as far as that 90 day thing goes. It's good that you realize the importance of that period and it's ok for it to trouble you somewhat but shouldn't to any great great degree unless you're having some obvious problems that are complicating it.

Your boss seems to have told you the goods and that's what she's there for. She said you were doing well but like anyone has room to improve. Fair enough assessment and honest too.

90 days means what the other posters said. Assessment period. Is there a union where you work? That would be something I could comment on with some knowledge. Tip of the hat to you by the way Splitimage!....I'm from Ontario too and have put my miles in at the plants around here over the years.

I've worried myself Ruby. Every time. A job is one of the most essential aspects of living of course. One wants to get it together and have it be as smooth as it can too. You've been given no real reason to worry from what you said your boss said. Refuse your imaginations and fears. That's likely where the stress originates. I'm sure you're not dallying your time away there hoping to squeek by without anyone noticing you're not working as hard as you should. Your boss is giving you good reason to allow yourself to relax your worries. Good luck by the way. Jobs are just what the word is Jobs...plural. There are more if one DOESN't work out for ANY reason. Keep going as you are and best wishes with it all. I've been there...work hard and let that speak for itself.

Hey Nicks Nose...we have some things in common there and I feel as you do. And agree as well. I've been around a fair bit and having the knowledge and maturity of a 'veteran' so to speak is a definite advantage. probably more than makes up for the lack of youth anymore. I myself while perhaps rueing my age a little[heh! jus' a little mind you] have no problem coping with the fact of younger co-workers. I may feel creakier than I used to but am as young at heart as ever I was. Experience/knowledge is power. You'll compete well because of that. Young at heart is what will hopefully give me a decent old age barring falling locomotives or some other foolish demise. Cheers and good wishes to you too.

[Nicks_Nose]

Originally Posted by quizzickle

Hey Nicks Nose...we have some things in common there and I feel as you do. And agree as well. I've been around a fair bit and having the knowledge and maturity of a 'veteran' so to speak is a definite advantage. probably more than makes up for the lack of youth anymore. I myself while perhaps rueing my age a little[heh! jus' a little mind you] have no problem coping with the fact of younger co-workers. I may feel creakier than I used to but am as young at heart as ever I was. Experience/knowledge is power. You'll compete well because of that. Young at heart is what will hopefully give me a decent old age barring falling locomotives or some other foolish demise. Cheers and good wishes to you too.

Thank you, quizzickle! That is very nice to hear. Things are smoothing out now at work and I was even invited to sit for an extra break with management. I have become so used to being the subordinate, I have to realize that I not only have freedoms I did not have before, but I also have to take responsibility for my whole crew's actions and not just defending my self. I had my first evaluation and there were some mistakes made that I took repsonsibility for. I was nearing an anxiety attack because I have fear of rejection. After the evaluation, my team told me if I had anything to worry about, I would not be working still lol. It helped put me at ease lol.

Excellent. Absolute great news to hear Nicks.Things are going to continue well I'm sure! Take 'er all smooth and the best of wishes with it all. J.

Hey Ruby, just a checkback to see if you've found a way to answer that question. Worrying when you don't want to be is tough to erase. I hope you were able to find some solace in our posts about it. How's it been going?