At risk of not passing probation

I'd welcome some advice

I took a job in a call centre for a housing organisation a couple of months ago.
On paper I was a strong candidate. I had all the right answers to give at interview based on previous voluntary experience in a role giving housing advice. While not exactly why I went to university I don’t think I am “above” call centre work and saw the role as a chance to build up my savings and generally keep my head down.

Yesterday I was told that I was at risk of failing my probationary period. In short they have said that I have two weeks to improve after which a decision will be made. It is not a conversation that has come entirely as a surprise. In truth I don’t think that call centre work is a particularly strong fit for me.

• I’ve struggled with the multitasking required – talking and using the multiple
databases at the same time
• I don’t feel my subject knowledge is strong enough at the moment in order to “control” the conversations
• I’m not quick enough on the database software.
• In all honesty the role is stressing me out. I haven’t had a good nights sleep since starting the role. Perhaps not the best way to look at the situation but I can't help but think I could be stacking shelves and earning a similar amount with zero stress....

It is accepted that I am trying my best but I'm not up to the required standard at
the minute.

The on boarding process hasn’t been brilliant and the fact these conversations are happening so early into the role is itself ringing alarm bells. It feels as though the organisation has over recruited and is now looking to cut back after trying people out. Even so it is not a role that plays to my strengths at all.

They are not in a position to move me to a different role where I might be of more use to the company. It is improve or the door.


I am very worried about this situation. My income risks falling from over £300 p/w to £73.10 p/w assuming there would be no issue with me making a claim for benefits and I don’t really want to do that. That is no way to live.

I’m incredibly worried about this situation. I couldn’t put the role on my CV it would simply raise too many questions given I’ve only been here a couple of months. I’d just welcome some advice. In retrospect perhaps I applied for a role that I wasn’t particularly suited to merely to not be unemployed. I feel a bit embarrassed about the situation I’m in – what good is a degree from a top university if I can’t hold down a job like this?

The obvious answer here is look for something else which is worrying me it is a tough job market out there.