Amazing yearly performance review and given extended probation at the same time.

I recently had my annual performance review, which is standard for this time of year to reflect on progress and get feedback. The feedback I received was fantastic. I was told I’m doing everything I’m supposed to, exceeding expectations, and that my performance is “wonderful.” They didn’t have anything to add regarding areas for improvement, which was great to hear.

However, at the end of the review, they casually mentioned, “By the way, we’re extending all new employees’ probation periods by three months.” This was said literally a week before my original six-month probation was set to end. They rambled on about the parent company’s financials, claiming it’s just some HQ “red tape” and that it wouldn’t affect me, reassuring me to “not even think about it.”

Here’s the kicker, when I spoke with a colleague who has only recently started, I discovered it’s not something they mentioned in his review. He’s a few months out from his 6 months though whereas I’m a week.

Personally, I feel there’s more to the story, and they’re not being completely upfront. It makes me wonder if the company is in financial trouble or if there’s something else going on behind the scenes.

My main question is: why don’t they just let me go if there’s an issue? My probation was supposed to end in a week (the original six months), but now it’s been extended to nine months without a new contract. I’ve read through my existing contract, and there’s no clause that gives them the right to extend my probation period unilaterally.

I already have other plans in motion and have quietly quit mentally, but I can’t help feeling a bit miffed about the situation. I just thought I’d share and see if anyone has any feedback or advice.