Job wise, at least.
Got told yesterday that my contract wasn't being extended beyond the middle of next month. Which was kind of a bolt out of the blue, considering I got to interview stage for a pool/permanent position, and the fact that they have been training me on new stuff just this month.
Basically because I have struggled with a particular KPI since I got there. Which, in turn, was because I have struggled with how tightly scripted the place is. Sometimes I missed updating a phone number, which is an automatic fail for the call, sometimes I actually followed up on an issue myself rather than, as the script said, simply send an email across to the regional office, sometimes, when I had multiple jobs to write up, I missed one, and again, automatic fail for the call. Le sigh.
I mean, I'm not trying to sugarcoat it, it is my own fault that, for basically the first time in my career, I wasn't able to adapt to what they wanted me to be, but most of the time I missed the KPI, and it was assessed monthly, I was missing by only one or two percent. But in the place that I am, it is assessed as basically pass or fail, no grey area.
So yes, not being kept on because I struggle following scripts as tightly as this place is. Also issues with my multitasking abilities sometimes, as well as my frustrations with difficult customers. Or, as I can call them on my own personal blog, frustrations with stupid people lol.
But, on the positive side, on the impression I got from my team leader, who, dammit, I actually like, the place will be as accommodating as they can for the next month and a bit while I job search. I mean, I don't think I can write job applications in work time or surf the web for positions, but if, no WHEN, I do get interviews, I will be able to take personal leave to go and attend them. My team leader said she was happy to be a reference, and also will help however she can.
To be honest, about four to six months ago, I was stressing to the max about the statistics, because of the whole contract work thing. I dunno whether blase is the word, but I have been much more relaxed about it more recently. Did not see it coming. But, although I love the job itself, and I love helping people, I did feel a bit robotic sheep about having to follow the script as tightly as it was written.
Basically, I got in as much trouble for overservicing as underservicing. And one of those examples of under servicing was not updating a phone number, which I am fairly certain I do correctly 95 percent of the time. Eh.
During the course of the coaching meeting, I was in shock at the start of it, but after about half an hour of talking to the boss, I had processed the grieving stage already. Mostly due to the fact that we talked about the positives I bring to the place. I wrote them down, so I could remember them if and when I get antsy and focus on the negatives instead.
The positives I bring to the workplace are, that my customer service and my customer interactions are fantastic, overall. I am a team player, which actually surprised me when the boss said that, because I have been ramping back that side of me big time at this current workplace. Not wanting to get too involved in office politics or even office friendships, but no, apparently I get on well with everyone in the office, of all ages, I participate well during team meetings and I'm not afraid to give feedback, in whatever setting. And I socialise. Well, perhaps the latter isn't a surprise.
And my team leader said that I have a great deal of determination. That I have the right attitude and the right behaviours for the workplace. That I do the right thing, with great work ethic. I care about people, and I do my utmost to help them (see above, overservicing). Most importantly, as I scan the bullet points I wrote down, I don't give up. I always come in, I always have the right attitude, and I do my best. Even when the day is a bit of a slog.
The last two paragraphs could be the basis for some very good cover letters, and if the boss is going to say that stuff when my references get checked, I will have no problems securing alternate employment. There was no scripting for initiative or creativity in current workplace, and as I was told, yes, we are customer service, but we give customer service at the same level for everyone.
As my mate in Melbourne said, maybe it's time to get into the private sector again, get out of government.
We will see what the next five weeks bring. I've already adjusted my job site search and emails that will come through. Just a bit of tweaking on the CV to do. And it's less than eighteen hours since I was given the news. I'm eminently employable. Maybe time to look outside customer service though.
The pity about all this is, I actually love the job I'm doing. Eh. I'll probably love the next job I do as well.
Fucking contract positions though...
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