Of course, many of you know by now that I was lucky enough
to secure a job before I graduated. However, unknown to most was that this job
was temporary to cover maternity leave. I was optimistic that my
contract would be extended and that I would eventually become a permanent
employee.
It was a Monday like any other when I found out that my contract wasn't going to be renewed.
A meeting with both of my bosses early that afternoon
rang alarm bells in mind. I hadn’t had a meeting with both of them since my
interview so I thought it likely that they'd be discussing my contract as the end date was nearing. I was excited, curious
and scared. Despite the fact I know my contract was coming to end, I was certain that due to
how well I had performed on my job that it would at least be extended for a few
more months. I dreaded prospect of becoming an unemployed graduate.
I was taken to a different floor. I entered the room and sat
in front of my two bosses. Numerous thoughts about how much I enjoy my job entered
my head and I was sure that this meeting would have a positive outcome. But I was kidding myself. One of my bosses opened the conversation ‘As you know your
contract is coming to an end....’, I sit and let them continue,
‘unfortunately we won’t be renewing your contract’. My mind paused as the words
hit me and I sat silent. Not to sound big headed but I was in a state of shock. I was hoping
that my hard work over the months would have paid off.
In the end, I resorted to answering ‘fine’. I couldn’t think of
anything else to say, but of course it wasn’t fine. Before this point, I was convinced that the
day would never come and when it did, I wasn’t sure how to deal with it.
Some weeks on I now face the prospect of finding another
job. A once publishing professional turned back to a publishing intern – really disappointing.
But rest assured readers, the disheartening experience won’t affect my desire
for a job in the publishing industry. I’ve learnt a lot, left on good
grounds and received glowing feedback from the people I’ve come into contact
with. If I had my time again I wouldn’t change a single thing.
However, it isn’t all doom and gloom for me. Luckily, the
positive impression I made and the relationship I’ve built with HR means
that my journey at IPC isn’t quite ending yet. Fortunately, last week I was back doing some temp work in the advertising department, which I thoroughly enjoyed. At the moment, I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I'm a big believer in fate and I know that everything happens for a reason. I'm simply meant to be elsewhere.
Watch this space.
