Beating your Probation Period!

Probation is designed to allow both you and your new employer to decide for yourselves if the job is suitable for you. Think of it as the "dating before the marriage".

While on probation you are a normal employee, you are paid for your work and you have rights just like other employees. The difference is that you are usually being evaluated and either you or your employer can terminate the employment agreement with very little notice.

If you or your employer decide that the job isn't appropriate for you and terminates the employment contract then there is very little notice require. Normally you will need to give or be given one weeks notice and you will be paid for this week of work.

Of course the notice period is governed by your employment agreement or contract. So please refer to your contract for specific information for your employment.

Typically most jobs have a 3 month or 6 month probation period. It is not uncommon for specialist jobs to have a 6 month probationary period followed by a possible extension for a further 6 months.

Government jobs in Australia are now commonly offered with a 12 month probation period which many view to be excessive. In short the length of the probation period can be negotiated with your employer, and you should do so before signing the contract for your new job.

No, the employer has no penalty for firing you or terminating the employment contract.

Many employment contracts have conditions that say that the employer can fire you on the spot and pay you in lieu of the notice period. What this means is that if you are fired then you may be asked to leave the premesis on the spot and you will be paid for the next week even though you didn't work.

During a probation period many people feel unsecure about their job and so hold off making any major purchases and keep in contact with their old employer just in case the job falls through.

In other cases the probationany period is more of a formallity, and there is no real threat to the persons employment. In these cases most people continue to live normally and do not change their spending habits.

A common problem experienced by many people in new jobs is that they cannot borrow money during a probationary period. Getting a loan approved while on probation is possible as long as the probationary period is no more than 12 months and you have experience in the same industry that you are currently employed in.

A wise man once said "if you turn up on time, you are sober, you don't steal anything and you care about your job then you are in the top 1% of the workforce". Unfortunately this statement is quite true! To keep your job you should follow the below basic rules:

• Turn up on time


• Adopt a good attitude, how can I serve my company?


• Become an expert at your job by learning everything you can


• Work hard, lazy employees don't last long!

This all seems so simple right? Believe it or not very few people follow these simple rules! Good luck with your new job!