2-year probationary period?

[Gingerman]

I was hired last May but recently realized I am subject to a 2-year probationary period.  Does anyone have any experience with this?  What are the odds I'll be unemployed in 2 years?

[jrh83]

I thought the probationary period was only one year, but that is for "permanent" hires.  Were you hire as a temporary employee, "not to exceed two years"?

I'd check with your local union rep.

A number of factors go into the decision to retain you.  Getting local management on your side is probably the most important factor.

[barkley]

When I was hired in the 90s, it was a two year probationary period, but a couple of classes after me had shorter periods.  It seemed to flucturate according to SSAs ability to convert such slots to permanent slots. 

I would suggest you do your best not to worry about it too much.  As a beginning writer, just try to learn as much as you can about writing good decisions.  You should be assigned a mentor to help you, but also seek out the more experienced writers in your office or even some of the ALJs - many of them will want you to succeed and are willing to help by sharing samples, bouncing off ideas, or offering criticism.  The workload is such that if you are doing good work, and your share of the work, and keeping your nose clean as far as federal govt employee rules, you probably won't have any problem becoming permanent.  (and to get a clue about the amount of work you should be doing, every month, there are reports which show the average production for your office and the average production for you region).

This is just antidoctal, but personally, I have just known 3 people not convert from temporary to permanent.  One refused to work,and  two were abusing time and attendance policies.