Dear @AnxietyEmployee
Thank you for letting me know of the recent development that you didn’t pass your probation period, and I can only imagine how tough this situation must feel. It’s completely normal to feel disappointed, anxious, or even uncertain about what comes next. But I want you to know that not passing probation doesn’t define your worth or your abilities. It’s simply a part of the journey, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing as a person or as a professional.
Here are some steps you can take moving forward, both to process how you’re feeling and to figure out what to do next:
1. Give Yourself Grace:
It’s important to be kind to yourself during this time. Feeling upset or frustrated is totally valid, but also remind yourself that everyone faces setbacks at some point. This is just a chapter, not the whole story of your career. Your value isn’t determined by this one experience, and it doesn’t mean that future opportunities are closed to you.
2. Reflect and Assess:
Take some time to reflect on your experience. What aspects of the role did you enjoy or feel confident in? Where did you face challenges, and what led to those challenges (e.g., lack of resources, overwhelming workload, or something else)? Understanding what went wrong and what you might need in a future role will give you valuable insights into what to look for next.
- Skills and Knowledge: Were there specific skills or knowledge you needed that you didn’t feel you had? If so, this might be a good time to focus on upskilling in areas that will build your confidence for your next opportunity.
- Support and Environment: Was the work environment supportive, or did it feel overwhelming and isolating? This might help guide you in finding a more supportive workplace in the future.
3. Request Feedback:
There is feedback from your employer or supervisor about why didn’t pass probation. You shared the main reason is lack of knowledge which lead to inefficiency. If possible, can he be more specific. I recommend to approach the conversation with a sense of curiosity and openness, rather than defensiveness. Ask questions like:
- What specific areas could I improve upon?
- Were there certain expectations I didn’t meet, and what could I have done differently?
- Is there an opportunity for me to address those concerns and potentially come back for another review?
I believe feedback will help you understand where you can grow, and it will show your commitment to improving. Even if the feedback is hard to hear, it can be incredibly valuable in learning and moving forward.
4. Consider Your Next Steps Once you have clarity on the reasons for not passing probation, consider your options:
- If you want to stay in this role: Depending on the feedback and your own reflections, you could discuss a second chance, or ask if there’s an opportunity for you to address areas of concern and try again.
- If you feel the role isn’t a fit: If the role or environment doesn’t seem like a good match for you, it may be worth exploring new opportunities that align better with your skills, interests, and values.
5. Build Your Confidence:
This experience can be tough on your confidence, but it’s important to remember that setbacks happen to everyone. Take time to reflect on your past successes, what you’ve learned from this experience, and how you can apply those lessons going forward. Try focusing on small wins in your daily life or career to build back that sense of competence and self-worth.
6. Network and Seek Guidance:
Talk to others in your professional network, mentors, or even friends. They might offer valuable perspectives or even point you toward new opportunities. You may also want to consider reaching out to career coaches or other professionals who can guide you through this time and help you identify your strengths and areas for growth.
7. Take Care of Yourself:
Remember that your mental and emotional health are important. This experience might have left you feeling drained, so make sure you’re taking the time to rest and recharge. Self-care and reflection are vital during times of transition. When you’re ready, you’ll be in a much better position to make decisions and move forward with clarity.
Managing anxiety (through mindfulness, grounding techniques) and self soothing such that you are able to stay calm during stressful periods could be an important skill set to learn, practise and apply during stressful times.
What has happened does not define your career or your abilities. Many successful people have faced setbacks early in their careers. It might take time to process, but there are always new opportunities and chances for growth ahead. Whatever you decide to do, be kind to yourself and take this as a stepping stone toward something better. You’ve got this. :yellow_heart