I was promised a job after I graduate. Now my boss is backing out. What do I do?

I am a college student, and I have been working at a public hospital for over a year. I was promised a specific job when I graduate at the end of this school year. I was told that my salary is already in the budget, and have been reassured repeatedly by my superiors that I will be able to move straight from college into my new job.

Today my boss was griping about money troubles. I pressed him a bit, and he dropped a real bombshell on me. Apparently my job isn't guaranteed anymore because the budget is uncertain. I was never toldl about this. I was lead to believe that the budget and my job were both certain.

I had made plans that relied on having a job immediately after I graduate. I have quite a bit of debt from school, and I've gone through most of my savings because I thought I would be able to go into the working world right away.

What do I do?

Most jobs are not guaranteed. What I mean to say is that most jobs that are without a contract, are "at will"--and it means they can let you go at any time without any reason(s), and you can also quit at any time without any reason(s).

Without a written promise that they have a job waiting for you, there isn't much you can do.

Think of it this way, would you want to work for this place after what they have done to you? If you take them to court, it will be very expensive, and if you win, would you be comfortable working with them? Will they like you afterwards?

You are young and there are plenty of jobs (I assume you are getting a degree of some sort that is related to your job)--for a health care related field, so you should not have a hard time finding one (and hopefully better one, too).

So wipe up your tears and keep your chin high. Look for another job outside this company but do leave on a good term. It's a small world and you would not want to run into this boss again at another place and be thought of as someone who is not nice.

One day you will look back at this and be happy that you're at a better job.

Jobs offers are never guaranteed so until you start work they can always take the offer back.

If you have student loans you should be able to defer them until 6 months after graduation before having to make payments.

I would start looking for another job right away. it may not be the perfect job but get what you can while you keep looking.

Understandably things change and there was no guarantee that you would get a job (contract) But you can take steps to look for a new job if you are really want to leave and your company will be at a loss because they will spend more money looking for and training a new hire.

Absent a contract in writing, your job offer is no more - move on. Or stay in touch in case the budget comes through, but look for something else in the meantime.

If you detrimentally relied on the offer (e.g., paid for moving expenses or put money down on an apartment in the job city), then you may have a legal claim for reimbursement. Otherwise, most likely, in the eyes of the law, you have not been harmed because the job offer was only a possiblity, and employment never actually resulted, and the employment would almost certainly be at-will anyway, so the guy could have fired you after day one, for any or no reason, without any recourse on your part.

Welcome to the real world. :)

Welcome to the real world - nothing is written in stone, not even if your boss gave you a contract. All businesses are a risk, bad things do happen that may not be his fault. The economy is in a slump now. Stay on good terms with him, then get another job asap. You can then use him for a reference.

The other poster is correct...there isn't anything you can do.