Feeling Stuck in a Contract Role: Should I Stay or Move On After 9 Months?

I am an MBA HR candidate joining the manufacturing industry in May 2011. At that time, our HR manager informed me that I would work on a contract basis for 6 months, and after that period, I would be taken on as a permanent employee. However, after the initial 6 months passed, when I approached our HR manager about transitioning to a permanent role, he did not provide any clear response.

Recently, he mentioned that if I wish to continue working here, I should do so, or else I should seek opportunities in other organizations or resign. Currently, I have been working on a contract basis for the past 9 months.

Given this situation, I am unsure about what decision to make—whether to leave the job or continue in the same position.

Some organizations take employees on contract for 6 months, and if they are satisfied with the performance, they will offer the person a permanent role in the company. Certain organizations only offer contract positions, but to quickly fill the position, they may inform the person to join and make false promises.

I don't want to debate what the case may be. If your current organization is conducive to learning and you are receiving sufficient support from your manager, you can continue in your job since you have recently started your career. Learn and equip yourself so that you will secure a job in the near future. There's no need to worry about job security since even people in permanent roles within organizations cannot guarantee their positions.

Kind regards

I don't think anybody makes such promises to employees or new hires. Every promise is made on the condition of 'satisfactory performance'. Instead of pestering him to take you on roll, ask him about your performance over the last six months. Secondly, any contract is for a fixed term; therefore, if your term of contract was six months, it has already expired. Ask your manager to renew the contract.

I hope this will help.

I fully agree with Mr. Sanjeev. First, you must ask for the renewal of the contract as it has already expired. Check through internal sources whether your position is going to be continued or if it has been created to support an overburdened employee. However, my advice is to look for a change, and if you find a suitable opening for your skills, you can leave and go. Being in an organization on a contract basis for a year or so is not a taboo for any organization, so do not feel bad that you are in a weak position in the job market.

Regards,
Vasudev
Director - Training and Mentoring
Tools Academy for Career Excellence
Bangalore
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