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Probation periods here feel brutal — how worried should I be?

Diego Fernandez 🏆 Community expert
1 Jul 2026, 04:33

My contract has a probation period where either side can end things with almost no notice, and coming from somewhere with strong protections it's making me anxious about signing a lease or committing to anything. Is this just normal and I'm overthinking it, or is it as precarious as it feels in the first few months?

15 replies · page 2 of 2

Oliver Brandt ⭐ Helpful member
12 Aug 2026, 13:42

Sweden gave me a probation period on my first contract too. We hedged exactly like Mei described earlier, with a shorter lease, but it turned out unnecessary. What I'd actually recommend is asking your manager, around the halfway point, how things are going. Mine was surprised I asked, and it gave me the reassurance I'd been waiting for without knowing I could ask for it.

Isabella Santos 🏆 Community expert
15 Aug 2026, 11:10

Freelancing is permanent probation, if that makes anyone feel better.

Aisha Okonkwo ⭐ Helpful member
17 Aug 2026, 18:36

Rajesh's view from the other side is really reassuring. Asking questions early is something I'll pass on to my husband, who's starting a new role next month.

Elena Popescu 🏆 Community expert
20 Aug 2026, 12:39

The anxiety was worst for me because as a single parent there was no second income if it went wrong. It passed, both the probation and the anxiety.

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Chris Bennett ⭐ Helpful member
24 Aug 2026, 14:25

I spent many years on the hiring side before retiring, and Rajesh is right. In all that time I can count on one hand the people who didn't pass probation, and none of them were the anxious, careful ones. It was always someone who didn't turn up or didn't listen. If you're worried enough to read threads like this, you're very likely fine.