[busymomof4]

I was hired in January on a 3 month contract. At the time the employer assured me not to worry about it, that they are being responsible because of some restructuring going on within the organization and industry. My boss (President and CEO of the org) assured me that they will always need someone and not to go looking for another job. Well, now nearly two months later, I find out that she wants someone with more "office management" experience and I'm not being renewed. They advertised the job and have hired someone else. To add insult to injury I'm expected to spend my last two weeks and work training my successor.

Am I crazy to think this is totally unethical? I can't believe I trusted her, and I actually turned down interviews believing that this job would turn into something permanent.

Any advice?

I'm feeling shattered, hurt and rejected. I find myself wondering what I did so wrong to be treated like this...

[Hanford Annie]

This kind of thing has happened to me before, and I don't believe it is uncommon. Although you feel hurt over ths situation, don't let it affect how you treat the new employee. Your grace in doing this may lead to another position at another time or even a recommendation by another employee to another company. The most important thing is to learn from the experience. At this time, I do not believe anything until I see it in writing. A piece of advice--Never give up an interview even if you have a permanent job. The wise woman is always looking for opportunities.

[Deborah S. Hildebrand]

I agree with Annie. As difficult as it is to swallow your pride, you need to do just that right now and help the person coming into this bad situation. However, I would quickly jumpstart the process of finding another opportunity in the meantime. Any possibility that some of those prior positions are still available? Get some interviews going before this assignment comes to an end, even if it's just another contract. Best of luck.

[Sudbird]

It feels like it must be unethical, doesn't it? And on a personal level, it is. But on a business level, you have to deal with it. People lie, people say things to their own advantage, it never really ends. Your professional reputation is built on how you handle situations like this. If you are graceful in this situation, people will have good things to say about you. If you are not, it may come back to haunt you later. I agree with the others. Send out some good energy and you will be snapped up into a new position. Be grateful for the job for the three months, but consider the possibility that the unethical nature of this job wasn't a fit for you and that you will be given an opportunity to transition to something much better that is a better fit for you morally.

[Robin Holtson]

First, you've done nothing wrong. Keep in mind, the person coming in will probably feel uneasy; do your best to make them feel welcome, and help in any way possible. I had a similar situation some 15+ years ago. The woman who was hired (from outside the company) and I, hit it off immediately! She was and is (still) a great mentor. She moved to California, and we both have had many new jobs and challenges, but to this day we remain close friends.