Q I recently lost my first job as a security guard. I was on three months probation and my employer did not confirm me citing financial reasons. However, the day before I was relieved of my job, someone else was being orientated to take my position.

I believe I was doing a good job and nobody told me I was not performing properly. I believe I was fired because the supervisor did not like me. He took a dislike to me, claiming that I was not respectful enough. The firing was with immediate effect and I did not even get notice pay. My Christmas looks bleak for me and my two little children. What must I do and how can I get back my job?

A. I am sorry to hear that you lost your job. Losing one's job can be heart-rending and especially in these harsh economic times. Not to mention, you have two additional mouths to feed.

Whenever you are on probation, you have to be very careful in carrying out your duties and responsibilities. You have to try to impress your immediate supervisor. You have to try to be in a harmonious relationship. As a young person, you have to show maximum respect to your elders at the workplace and pay your dues to the elders. And, especially in the security industry, there is a belief in the ranks that a 'grub' must pay his dues.

When you are on probation, your employer does not have to give you any notice. Once you are not confirmed, you do not have a job. Technically, your employer might say you were not fired because you were not hired. You were only on trial to determine whether you should be hired. Ideally, there should have been targets established for you and you should be told, periodically, how you were performing. I suggest that, at your next job, you ask for performance targets and expectations.

It is unfortunate that the employer gave you no valid reason. If you had permanent employment and the employer did that, you would have a case to take to the Ministry of Labour. However, since you were on probation, your case is not as strong. In any case, I believe security guards are offered contracts rather than permanent employment, even after a probationary period. However, you should contact the Ministry of Labour and relate your story. Perhaps, your employer could have extended your probation. Perhaps, your employer could have given you more notice about the impending disengagement. Perhaps, he could have offered two weeks pay in good faith, especially as the Christmas season is imminent. As I stated before, please contact the Ministry of Labour and see if they could advocate on your behalf.

It is highly unlikely you will get another opportunity at that job, but nothing beats a try. However, it is more probable that you could get a recommendation from that company as you seek employment in another security firm.

In the meantime, it is best to avoid having any more children. You are not in a position to rear any more children. In addition, learn from the experience of your first job and try to do things differently in order to pass the probation stage when you are called to another job.

You may contact the counsellor at editor@gleanerjm.com.