Sunday, April 15, 2007

Probation

Today is exactly three months since I started my job at the Daily Planet. Which means, as of tomorrow, I should theoretically be a proper member of staff.

That is, of course, if I have "successfully" completed my probation, according to my contract. It doesn't actually look like there is any real difference from now on, in that notice terms appear to be exactly the same whether you're on probation or not. I do know of reporters whose probation was extended. That would be pretty scary. It does also say in my contract that after completing the probation, my employment will be confirmed in writing. I haven't had that yet (well, it is Sunday), wonder if that will turn up on my desk...?

At my last paper, I did actually have a little "one-on-one" chat with the big boss man after completing the probation confirming that they did want me. They're just - rather busier at my new job. It would be nice, though, to speak to our great leader again - as I have only spoken to him about twice, once when he welcomed me to the paper, then once when I was having that hacking cough and he was expressing concern about my wellbeing. Oh, and he asked me if my press card was up to date, once.

In the past three months, without wishing to cause any undue alarm, my immediate boss has threatened to beat me up if I failed to ring someone at a certain time and then demanded 12 reasons why he shouldn't (I could only think of about three, surely there's something wrong there), I've been told to "clear my desk" by the assistant ed. after a story fell through which they had been counting on, I've been referred to as "drone 1", the news ed. warned me I was still on probation and could be fired instantly after I made some smart remark, and all manner of other things.

Sounds pretty bad? Actually, all these things were done in a fairly tongue in cheek fashion. I have worked under a boss who was a real, nasty bully - and I can tell the difference. If you have a sensitive disposition, are super-sensitive to quips from a very male-dominated atmosphere with the occasional sexist/xenophobic/homophobic edge then a newsroom is no place for you. It's about giving as good as you get. And I suspect if I were a more obviously fragile person, I wouldn't have got quite the same treatment. Sparks fly in a newsroom. And I love it. After so long feeling professionally under-challenged and bored, I like a bit of edge. Plus, free entry to gigs and all that jazz!

Although I do notice, re-reading my contract, that apparently during the period of my employment I will be "required" to devote the whole of my "time, attention and abilities" in the proper fulfilment of my duties. All of my abilities? I'm a pretty good cook, not a bad recreational gymnast and I can seriously bust a move on the dance floor. Am I expected to bring all those abilities into the daily grind? Could make things interesting...

More on that story later.


*obviously it's not really called the Daily Planet, but I'm hardly about to tell you where I really work, am I?

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4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Frangelita, I have no doubt you can hold your own amongst your work colleagues, no doubt at all.

15/4/07 10:03 pm  
Blogger mig bardsley said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

16/4/07 8:14 pm  
Blogger frangelita said...

Sorry mum, comment deleted due to inappropriate use of real name.

16/4/07 9:46 pm  
Blogger mig bardsley said...

Sorry! Forgot :(

16/4/07 11:27 pm  

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