2nd-worst day in recent memory
Had my first performance evaluation today. They’re supposed to be quarterly, but for some reason, my first one was over a year after starting full-time. Go figure. I thought things would be fine. My immediate boss had complained to me about maybe three behaviors of mine over time… all rather minor things, I thought. My boss’s boss had never said anything negative to me.I went in there, and they ganged up on me. My boss said she was disappointed about my performance over the past year. Said she thought I was acting like I didn’t really want the job.This came out of nowhere. She had almost ALWAYS been smiley and pleasant and fairly direct. Then today, all of a sudden— bam.My boss’s boss, for the FIRST time since I met him— and I mean the first time ever— expressed his disappointed in my work.I had turned in to my boss a report on what my goals would be for the next quarter. I thought it was a rough working draft. Turns out she was going to turn that in to HR.She told me in the meeting that she was very upset about what I had written, because it wasn’t above and beyond my duties. She slammed me for not writing my name and supervisor’s name at the top. (Again, I thought this was a working draft between us).Both of them picked on an array of things that I hadn’t done well in their eyes. This, that, and the other. I was flabbergasted, simply because I didn’t see it coming at all.I hate this job. I’ve stayed in it for the money, for the health insurance, and because looking for a new job is SUCH a pain in the a--. But what happened today was a real kick in the pants. My boss and my boss’s boss are not my friends. They’re just my employers, and yes, I have to do what they say. But I work in close proximity with my boss. So, it’s going to be hard from here on out. I just have to remind myself that she’s not my friend, she’s not my friend. That she’s two-faced. I’ve seen it many times… when she talks on the phone to someone in a sweet voice— and then turns around and complains about them to us.Blindsided. That’s how I felt. The criticism hurts, but the fact that it came out of nowhere stings like a b----.I am declaring here and now that I will be gone from this job by August. Why then? Because I have vacation plans, and I don't want to have to ask for the vacation time. Plus, I need assured finality to this mess.I’m still processing this. It brought up a lot of feelings of anger, resentment, hurt, mistrust, agony. I’ve come to feel somewhat deadened inside with this job. I knew I had to leave over a year ago. When the smoke clears, and I gain some distance from this, perhaps I’ll see this spark today as helpful, because now I will seriously look for something else, knowing that I will need another source of income by August.What really scares me is how I'm going to survive my remaining time there with this sickened feeling in stomach.I thought that they didn’t have high expectations. Now, all of a sudden, the criticism comes tumbling down for not meeting their expectations.
Well, thanks for letting me know before more than a year had passed.
I’m so scared for the future. I know that I will leave within four months… but will I get paid as much next time? Will the work make me happy next time? Or will it at least be doable? Will I get along with boss and my coworkers? What about the commute? Will I have to go to bed earlier and get up earlier?I’m still processing this. What a slap— out of NOWHERE! NO warning! What the freak?? Why didn’t they say something as the months went on?? Instead of waiting over a year??
I'll never trust them again. And I'll never be "friends" with them again. ...What a fool I was to think I could be.
Well, thanks for letting me know before more than a year had passed.
I’m so scared for the future. I know that I will leave within four months… but will I get paid as much next time? Will the work make me happy next time? Or will it at least be doable? Will I get along with boss and my coworkers? What about the commute? Will I have to go to bed earlier and get up earlier?I’m still processing this. What a slap— out of NOWHERE! NO warning! What the freak?? Why didn’t they say something as the months went on?? Instead of waiting over a year??
I'll never trust them again. And I'll never be "friends" with them again. ...What a fool I was to think I could be.
Replies
I\'m sorry you had to experience this. A year is WAY too long to go before approaching you with their concerns. By the way, what type of work have you been doing? Wishing you lots of luck with the job search!
Performance reviews are frequently aimed at finding fault with your work if an employer is looking not to raise your pay rate.
Have they had ANYTHING positive to say about your performance? If that\'s the case than they clearly have something against you.
I am so sorry you are going through this.
You said you hate this job - maybe it really IS reflecting on your performance.
You have a creative mind, maybe this job is killing you and it is time to find something else? I was facing the same situation at my job and i just found another one. I am sure i will do so much better.
Hugs... Get out of there if you can. Hope you will feel better soon!
Thank you both!!! It feels good to hear your compassion and support.