The Full-Time Lie That Left 13 Workers High and Dry

Picture this: you’re slogging through the holiday rush, juggling irate customers and endless shifts, all with a glimmer of hope dangling like a carrot on a stick—a full-time job. The air’s thick with festive chaos, and you’re counting on that promise to turn your seasonal gig into something stable. But then, two days before your temp contract ends, an email lands with a thud: “Sorry, no full-time positions for you.” Ouch. That’s exactly what happened to one Redditor and their 13 seasonal comrades, and the sting of betrayal still lingers.

What makes it worse? They all got the same generic rejection, only to discover through some workplace sleuthing that those coveted full-time slots never existed. It’s the kind of twist that leaves you questioning every job ad you’ve ever read. The frustration is palpable—two and a half months of hard work, dashed by a corporate bait-and-switch. Let’s dive into this tale of seasonal woe and see what we can learn from it.

‘LPT: If a company offers you a temporary position with the potential for a full-time position at the end of your agreed-upon time of temporary work, then ask them for the details of the full-time position. At that point you can tell whether or not there really is a full-time position available’

This Redditor’s story is a classic case of hope sold on a shaky foundation. Promising full-time roles to seasonal workers can feel like dangling a lifeline—until you realize it’s just smoke and mirrors. The OP’s experience highlights a tension: employers want motivated workers, but some dodge accountability when it’s time to deliver. One savvy coworker saw through the ruse early, demanding details the recruiter couldn’t provide. Spoiler: there were none.

This isn’t just one company’s fluke—it’s a broader issue. Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski, a Yale professor studying workplace dynamics, once noted, “Organizations often use ambiguity to maintain flexibility, but it can erode trust when promises don’t materialize” (source). Here, the lack of transparency left workers blindsided. The opposing perspectives are clear: the company likely saw seasonal hires as disposable, while the workers banked on a future that wasn’t real.

Zooming out, this taps into a growing trend—U.S. temp jobs rose 7% from 2019 to 2023, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Companies save costs, but workers get stuck in limbo. The expert takeaway? Vague promises are red flags. Dr. Wrzesniewski’s lens suggests trust hinges on clarity—something this employer dodged entirely.

So, what’s the move? Demand specifics upfront—pay, benefits, schedules—like the OP’s wise colleague did. If they squirm, assume the job’s a dead end. Protect your energy, save your cash, and keep your exit strategy sharp. Have thoughts? Join the convo below!

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back on this one—here’s a roundup of their candid, sometimes hilarious, reactions. Buckle up for some wisdom with a side of sass!

These Redditors aren’t wrong—skepticism’s the name of the game. But do their tales of corporate trickery match the real world, or are we all just jaded now? Food for thought!

So, there you have it—a seasonal gig that promised the moon but delivered a lump of coal. The OP learned a hard lesson: trust your gut, ask the tough questions, and don’t bet your future on empty words. It’s a wild workplace out there, and stories like this remind us to stay sharp. What about you? Ever been burned by a job that overpromised and underdelivered? What would you do if you sniffed out this kind of scam mid-interview? Drop your thoughts below—let’s keep this chat going!