Wow.. Didn't see that coming (Work)

[Deutscher]

I'm almost 21, studying at uni (Accounting & Finance), worked part-time as reception and since uni holidays I've worked full-time at a Lawyers firm (reason I worked part-time was because I was sharing the position with another lady who had been working there for years or I woulda done external study and worked full-time). The other lady got fired because she was pretty crap and was never at her desk etc (chatting to other staff).

I've told the partners I am interested in continueing working full-time as reception until a position is available as assistant accountant (currently there is 2 accountants but 1 should be retiring soon).

I wanted to continue working full-time and study externally, so anyway, to enrol for internal units to get good times/days you could enrol since beginining december, as I thought my position full-time was stable I hadn't enrolled for internal units.

Because of the holidays etc for Christmas, my supervisor was away and only got back today, So I asked him about the employment, to get a confirmation about what is happening because I enrolled internal or external.

So, what he says is, they want me to work full-time until I go back to Uni and then they want to hire a Reception Specialist and about my accounting side of things, once the older accountant retires they want to get a Office Management person.

So pretty much, I just got told that I wasn't going to have a job when my Uni starts again. I've been told since I've been working there that I was much better at Reception than the other people that have been there (by the secretaries etc) and everyone dislikes the old accountant because she is pretty useless, and I'm already assisting the accountants doing filing and cost recoveries etc.

Although he did say that if I can think of a job that the firm doesn't already have to mention it and I could have that job (but it's already full, especially because we just got a new office junior).

I've been working at this place for 11months now, have never had any warnings (ie. not getting my work done or anything), I worked over the christmas break (most people took those days off) because no body wanted to work them. They asked me to come in on days I Would have off (got paid though) and I had to spend half the day in a boiling hot shed, sorting out all their archieved files because it was a total mess! I've also been archieving files which were done in 2008! because the Reception & Accountant hadn't done them! So on top of my work as reception I've had to do a years worth of achieving while doing my normal job. So pretty much they used me so they could catch up and now I'm being ditched.

As I sat in his office, I was speechless, didn't know what to say. Didn't see it coming at all. O and as I was working part-time and doing part time uni I also worked at another place (which I quit, to work at this work). O another thing, me and my gf have just got a loan for our house (it's about to start building).

Sorry about the boring story.

[_R_J_K_]

So no reason given at all? That blows majorly.

I guess the question to ask him is 'why?'

[Deutscher]

So no reason given at all? That blows majorly.

I guess the question to ask him is 'why?'

Didn't give a reason, only thing I've come up with is that, I've said I wanted to go into the accounting side of things and because there isn't a position available, I've got 2 years left of my degree and I guess they were looking for someone permanent hence a Specialist Receptionist, that has no other future goal except to be reception.

Because what is the difference between a Specialist and a normal reception? I do the same jobs that person does.. and it's not like I'm selling products or anything so I don't need to convince people or anything. It's more of a switch board.. I say my intro etc and they say can I speak to such and such and I ask what their name and what its in regards to and then I put it through to the secretary.

I was planning to work at this firm for atleast 5+ years. So I wasn't just going to bail on them.

[MasterOfReality]

It sucks, but you have to get used to the idea that you are expendable and nothing is guaranteed. And also, an experience like this will greatly hone your bullshit detector when it comes to future jobs.

I have been in a situation like this. End result? I can tell a mile away if a company is planning on using me for the crap work and then ditching me. Its only ever happened once for me and never again.

There is no such thing as loyalty, and like I said before, if you start a job with the expectation that you can be replaced tomorrow, it makes things a whole lot easier.

At least you are lucky you got it now, not when you settled into a full time position like I did when I finished uni.

Also, why on earth did you take out a home loan when you are working part time?

[Deutscher]

It sucks, but you have to get used to the idea that you are expendable and nothing is guaranteed. And also, an experience like this will greatly hone your bullshit detector when it comes to future jobs.

I have been in a situation like this. End result? I can tell a mile away if a company is planning on using me for the crap work and then ditching me. Its only ever happened once for me and never again.

There is no such thing as loyalty, and like I said before, if you start a job with the expectation that you can be replaced tomorrow, it makes things a whole lot easier.

At least you are lucky you got it now, not when you settled into a full time position like I did when I finished uni.

Also, why on earth did you take out a home loan when you are working part time?

Hmm I suppose, I didn't think it would be the case especially from a Law firm, and also my step mother works as an accountant there and she got me the job. So I thought I was kinda safe and didn't think they would just ditch me. I could expect being used at like a retail store at busy times of the year like christmas... quick cheap fix and then ditched.

I got a loan with my partner because I was working 2 part time jobs which was the equivalent of my full time job now (was getting $100 a fortnight less working 2 part time jobs (I worked at my dads business)). I was working 3 days a week and 2 days uni before.. but the opportunity to work as an accountant at a law firm was more appealing and would be better for my long-term career.

[MasterOfReality]

Hmm I suppose, I didn't think it would be the case especially from a Law firm, and also my step mother works as an accountant there and she got me the job. So I thought I was kinda safe and didn't think they would just ditch me. I could expect being used at like a retail store at busy times of the year like christmas... quick cheap fix and then ditched.

I got a loan with my partner because I was working 2 part time jobs which was the equivalent of my full time job now (was getting $100 a fortnight less working 2 part time jobs (I worked at my dads business)). I was working 3 days a week and 2 days uni before.. but the opportunity to work as an accountant at a law firm was more appealing and would be better for my long-term career.

Its unfortunate, I know what it feels like but look at it this way: they can't be that flash to work for if they ditch people like that.

But at least you got 11 months there and you can put that on your resume, thats most that what other students can manage during their degree. A tip, don't bad mouth them if you get asked why you left that job in a future job interview.

If you want to be an accountant and earn good money, get your CPA and work for a mining company. My girlfriend is an financial accountant and moved to a big name mining house 2 years ago. She has been out of uni for 5 years and is on close to 100k base salary (plus 10-20% bonus) and thats not even a senior level and she is close to completing her CPA. This is a city based position, not on site. Sure beats the $55k salary she was getting outside mining for more stress and work.

[Deutscher]

Its unfortunate, I know what it feels like but look at it this way: they can't be that flash to work for if they ditch people like that.

But at least you got 11 months there and you can put that on your resume, thats most that what other students can manage during their degree. A tip, don't bad mouth them if you get asked why you left that job in a future job interview.

If you want to be an accountant and earn good money, get your CPA and work for a mining company. My girlfriend is an financial accountant and moved to a big name mining house 2 years ago. She has been out of uni for 5 years and is on close to 100k base salary (plus 10-20% bonus) and thats not even a senior level and she is close to completing her CPA. This is a city based position, not on site. Sure beats the $55k salary she was getting outside mining for more stress and work.

Wow thats prettty good fo ur GF!

I'm doing units which are CPA/ICAA requirements. Im doing a double major - accounting and finance with a minor in professional accounting. Some units have been exchanged for units for Taxation aswell.

I've spoken to the secretary of the manager for the firm, and explained that I wasn't here for the short run and that I would like to continue working here full-time. She went and spoke to my supervisor to find out why etc and it wasn't my work, he thought I'd bail after I finished my degree. I want to move up at the firm because I think it would be a good reference for my resume for future jobs, especially because my grades are quite average.

[Deutscher]

"When you came to the position it was only intended to be on the basis it was a casual position for the relatively short term given your ongoing studies and Judy's intention to return to retirement"

I've been working there for a year. On a part-time basis, there was nothing said about a short term.

"This is in no way an adverse reflection on your performance in the receptionist role. To my knowledge no-one has raised any concerns about the way you have carried out your duties."

*******, all I can say

"However the partners do want to have a person in the reception who has specialised training and experience and who is able to bring those qualities to bear in the role."

Specialised training and experience? Didn't know you had to be trained in picking up a phone "Good _____, McLeods, How can I help you" "Can I speak to ____?" "I'll just try the line for you, may I ask who's calling" "____" "Just one moment" and put the call through! other than that I Archieve files, assist the accountants, open & record incoming mail, record and mail outgoing mail. That is it!! How specialised do you have to be to do something like that! It's not rocket science! nor am I trying to win someone over! (for sales etc).

"I appreciate your desire to continue employment at McLeods in some role. At present I cannot think of a suitable position, but I will give it further thought. If you can see an area where you can assist the firm I assume you will let me know."

And that pretty much says, you won't have a job after the Uni holidays.

[bezz]

It sucks dude, but being a junior means you're the most expendable. I'm in the same boat as you, worked at an engineering firm for the last year while I finished my degree, was promised (and signed a contract stating) I'd have a graduate role this year, only to find out they canned the entire grad program at work due to the economic downturn.

Don't worry too much about it man, you're still young and it was good experience. Use it as a stepping stone to a new better job.

[Deutscher]

It sucks dude, but being a junior means you're the most expendable. I'm in the same boat as you, worked at an engineering firm for the last year while I finished my degree, was promised (and signed a contract stating) I'd have a graduate role this year, only to find out they canned the entire grad program at work due to the economic downturn.

Don't worry too much about it man, you're still young and it was good experience. Use it as a stepping stone to a new better job.

Why is being a junior most expendable? I'm the cheapest and aslong as I'm capable of doing the duties for the job, shouldn't I have the upper hand?

I should have never told them I was at Uni.

The other thing is, they haven't told me I won't have a job, so there could be the chance a position comes up or something. So I don't know what I'm going to do, if I should start searching for a new job now or wait and see.

and I'm speaking to the boss' secretary and telling her my case (we are pretty good friends), hoping she will speak to my supervisor and my overall boss. and I'm speaking to the secretary for my supervisor (my step mother and her are friends, and I drive the secretary to work sometimes aswell), so I'm hoping she will say something aswell.

This has caught me offguard and I hadn't had anything else planned. It's going to be so hard to find another job. And I've settled in and have learnt everything about this job.

[Deutscher]

"However at this stage we do not have any candidate for the role, and so I will have to liaise with you about that. Please let me know if you have preference so far as the changeover is concerned."

I questioned about what this actually means. It's about me training up the new receptionist. I seriously feel like saying to them to shove it aye. They're f**cking me over real good.

I'm trying to ask around if anyone knows anything, to see what my chances are like to getting another position at the company, or If I should start looking for another job. I'll have to have a job lined up, can't afford to be without a job with my house payments.

[ashbox]

Why is being a junior most expendable? I'm the cheapest and aslong as I'm capable of doing the duties for the job, shouldn't I have the upper hand?

I should have never told them I was at Uni.

The other thing is, they haven't told me I won't have a job, so there could be the chance a position comes up or something. So I don't know what I'm going to do, if I should start searching for a new job now or wait and see.

and I'm speaking to the boss' secretary and telling her my case (we are pretty good friends), hoping she will speak to my supervisor and my overall boss. and I'm speaking to the secretary for my supervisor (my step mother and her are friends, and I drive the secretary to work sometimes aswell), so I'm hoping she will say something aswell.

This has caught me offguard and I hadn't had anything else planned. It's going to be so hard to find another job. And I've settled in and have learnt everything about this job.

whilst i would agree if your more capable than some you'd have the upper hand, but not always the case.

you've got to think outside the box, plenty of places looking for accountants just depends on where ya live.

i know that our head office is looking for a part timer with atleast 1 year worth of study.

If i were in your shoes, i'd start looking for another job now rather than when you lose the one you got.

[RIP 05]

Start looking for another job, dont just let them string you along. It will feel good when you tell them your resigning for a better job anyway.

[Joe Peeps]

Welcome to the real world man, no one said life was fair.

im guessing everyone here has a work story where they got screwed over. it happens. look for another job you sound like you have skills, some experience you'll be right man, gl

[minux]

Welcome to the real world man, no one said life was fair.

im guessing everyone here has a work story where they got screwed over. it happens. look for another job

+1, too many people whinge and bitch about bad jobs/losing jobs/bad employer, but then don't do anything about it. If it is that bad, move on, its not hard to do.

[Deutscher]

+1, too many people whinge and bitch about bad jobs/losing jobs/bad employer, but then don't do anything about it. If it is that bad, move on, its not hard to do.

It's not a bad job, fairly easy job actually. That's why I want to stay in this job, so I'm speaking to people trying to make my stand.

I don't see why I cant learn the skills of this specialist reception, or what the difference would be from hiring someone else now or few years down the track...

[ashbox]

It's not a bad job, fairly easy job actually. That's why I want to stay in this job, so I'm speaking to people trying to make my stand.

I don't see why I cant learn the skills of this specialist reception, or what the difference would be from hiring someone else now or few years down the track...

So what you really want is a job that you don't have to work hard in?
Thats what it sounds like to me going by the first sentence.

The difference is, the person they hire NOW is gonna have the skills, NOW, not 3 years down the track.

Look for another job cos what will happen IF they don't keep ya on, you'll be up shit creek with no money.

[Joey_21]

Take this advice-----------------your only a number in the company you come you go !!! no one cares about the the person anymore its all about making the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ whether its using and abusing someone like yourself its a business after all not much you can do apart from leaving or hang in there and hope for the best .

[Deutscher]

Take this advice-----------------your only a number in the company you come you go !!! no one cares about the the person anymore its all about making the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ whether its using and abusing someone like yourself its a business after all not much you can do apart from leaving or hang in there and hope for the best .

I no a business in it to make money, wouldnt an 40yr old specialised receptionist with qualifications cost more than a 20yr without any qualifications but can still do the same job?

[Deutscher]

So what you really want is a job that you don't have to work hard in?
Thats what it sounds like to me going by the first sentence.

The difference is, the person they hire NOW is gonna have the skills, NOW, not 3 years down the track.

Look for another job cos what will happen IF they don't keep ya on, you'll be up shit creek with no money.

Came across the wrong way, I want a job which I am comfortable in, I guess I just dont want a change.

Someone really needs to tell me what this "Specialist" Receptionist does! I've spoken to plenty of people and they don't know, all they tell me is that Receptionist isn't rocket science and anyone can do it. I do everything that my job description says.

I don't get how a Specialist Receptionist would benefit the company any better. It's not a Customer Service job, it's switchboard job. It's not like I'm trying to sell the client something.. I just got to redirect their call to either the secretary or solicitor and be friendly and ask how their doing etc.

With the skills now thing, I've got the skills that are required in my job description (which will also be the job description of the specialist), plus I know the company, what it does and how it operates - While this new person doesn't.

They want me to train the new person anyway... so this new person has meant to have the skills "NOW" but I have to train them? to show them what to do?

[MasterOfReality]

I no a business in it to make money, wouldnt an 40yr old specialised receptionist with qualifications cost more than a 20yr without any qualifications but can still do the same job?

Not really, I mean a receptionist salary isn't exactly going to set your world on fire.

They would probably pay her a couple of dollars extra an hour, its a receptionist job after all, not a job that requires proper qualifications.

Ashbox is right, they want someone with the skills now. You might actually cost the company more in the long run on an hourly basis due to the training needed to get up to speed.

Edit - just read your latest post. To train the new person they mean to sit with them a day or two and make sure they know their way around your computer systems and networks and phones.

Tell them to get farked - not only are they not giving you the job, they want you to give initial training to the new person. Thats adding insult to injury.

Get on seek and start looking for new jobs.

[Deutscher]

Can someone explain to me what a "Specialist" Reception would help on a Switchboard?

[MasterOfReality]

No-one will be able to tell you what it is.

It sounds like a claytons job to me, a bullshit job title made up by HR to keep themselves in a job.

Every company's definition of specialist will be different.

[MasterOfReality]

Came across the wrong way, I want a job which I am comfortable in, I guess I just dont want a change.

I don't want to sound like an asshole, but you will have to change that way of thinking if you want to get ahead.

Being portable is one of the best assets you can have - being able to drop everything and start a new job with minimal fuss is highly prized.

I resigned in one job, packed all my stuff into the car, drove 12 hours to my parents, and then drove 8 hours the following week to another town where I then lived for 12 months for work. At the time it stressed me bigtime but I'm used to it now and its what we look for when interviewing someone.

[cewing]

maybe they're really good at picking up telephones, taking a message for their boss and relaying the message with absolutle precision.
well its certainly something the girl at my workplace could learn to do lol