Overview

A contractual worker in Singapore has taken to Reddit to express her disillusionment after her manager opted to hire an external candidate for a full-time position, rather than converting her role, despite her hard work and dedication.

Personal Experience

In her candid post on the Ask Singapore forum, she reveals, “I’m currently on a two-year contract with just a year left. I feel so used and undervalued after putting in all this effort and going above and beyond at my job. Now, it seems I’m just disposable.”

Originally, she had a positive relationship with her manager and had received praise for her performance, making this recent snub particularly disheartening. “It’s very frustrating that my manager appears oblivious to the toll this has taken on me,” she lamented. “Now, it feels pointless to even ask for a conversion to a full-time position since they’ve already filled the role.”

Community Response

Inquiring whether this is common practice in corporate culture, she questioned, “Why did my manager do this?” The community chimed in, offering a variety of perspectives on how she could have better advocated for herself.

Many commenters suggested that she should have communicated her desire for a full-time role more directly. One user pointed out, “Did you make it clear that you wanted to be converted to full-time? Because not everyone may assume you’re interested.” Another emphasized the importance of being proactive, suggesting, “If you know there’s a vacancy, you should express your interest.”

Furthermore, some users speculated that the management may have been seeking specific skills or experiences that she didn’t possess, which could explain why she was overlooked for the position. “In my experience, factors like work performance, emotional intelligence, and whether your boss appreciates you are all crucial. If you weren’t offered the position, perhaps you didn’t meet these criteria,” one user commented.

Others advised her to have an open conversation with her manager to gain insight into the decision. “There are numerous reasons why they might choose to hire externally instead of offering a conversion, including budgetary limitations. It would be best to discuss this with your manager,” a respondent noted. In the current slowing job market, users cautioned her against making impulsive decisions about her employment.

Tips for Contract Workers Seeking Full-time Positions

For those in a similar situation and aiming to transition from contract work to a permanent role, here are some valuable insights:

1. **Build Relationships**: Beyond just delivering excellent work, it's essential to cultivate strong connections with your supervisors and coworkers. A good rapport increases your visibility and enhances the likelihood of being considered for a full-time position.

2. **Take Initiative**: If you aspire to a permanent role, don’t shy away from initiating that conversation. Whether through a formal letter or a face-to-face discussion, express your interest proactively.

3. **Be Prepared to Negotiate**: When opportunities arise, be ready to negotiate favorable terms related to salary, benefits, and working conditions. If you've consistently exceeded expectations, make sure to leverage that during negotiations.

Navigating the complexities of the job market can be daunting, especially for contract workers. But by following these tips and fostering clear communication, you can enhance your chances of securing a permanent position and feeling truly valued in your workplace.