Help!

16 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 3:26PM UTC

   You may want to follow Attorney Ryan on IG as he addresses these issues, especially as of late. Good luck?

2. AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 5:02PM UTC

   It sounds like you are being set up to be let go so make sure your resume is ready and you are aware there might be an agenda here.

   In the meantime, documentation each meeting and follow up in writing requesting clear examples if how you should be performing your tasks so that you can take correct action.

3. Becca A.February 24,2023 at 5:18PM UTC

   Start updating your resume, your profile on Linkedin, and brushing up on your interview skills.
   As from what you shared, the manager's unwillingness to share concrete examples of how you are underperforming and give guidance on how to improve your output. Is a clear sign that they, not only do not care to but want to keep it this way so that they can have justifiable means to fire you which they are gearing to do. Please don't let that fill you with dread. You sound like a hard-working, earnest employee who just wants to do their best which is in conflict with what the manager has to carry out.

   As the commentator below me shared in their last paragraph. Document your work, follow up on request received, and do take screenshots of emails sent and received using your phone. As now, most, if not all, companies are able to control outgoing emails and strip them of any information they deem "sensitive" before they reach your personal email Or simply prevent the emails from going to your alternative inbox altogether.

   You are not alone in this experience. It is way more common than you think. So do NOT fall into any shaming, self-loathing, or asking yourself " what could I have done to improve the situation?" You did everything you were supposed to do. Unfortunately, employers have more say in whether you doing the right thing is worth considering or not.

   We need worker unions. As Im sure once those are in place this unfortunately common situation will become one that is rare.

4. AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 6:09PM UTC

   Seek doctor's note and go out on stress leave. You can collect unemployment and they cannot terminate your employment while you are out. I had a very similar situation... found a new job while I was on leave. Went back to toxic job on the day my leave ended and handed in my resignation letter at the end of the day, effective immediately. Never felt bad about it because they were so horrid. I was there 10 yrs but the last 2 years there was with a new boss who just did not like me so made my work life miserable. I'm very happy x3 years with this fab job now and making lots more money as well. Get your resume spruced up and go for it!!

5. AnonymousFebruary 25,2023 at 1:30AM UTC

   Alas...a story of help...and hope. Thanks!

6. AnonymousFebruary 25,2023 at 3:08PM UTC

   I know this is controversial but have you considered what about your performance you need to change? I know there are toxic bosses out there, but perhaps you’re not listening? Ask for it in writing? Ask for tangible things you need to improve. A mentor?

7. AnonymousFebruary 25,2023 at 3:22PM UTC

   Agreed. I’d even go so far as tape the convo. Follow up after the meeting to validate what you heard so you are on the same page. I’m sure your willing to learn and grow - but in order to do so you need examples and opportunities to learn and grow.

8. AnonymousFebruary 25,2023 at 5:55PM UTC

   I had a similar experience; the answer was internal workplace gossip and a "tattletale," taking it to the bosses. When I was called into a meeting about some issues that had come up because of COVID, the director said, "you know, even though you are a manager, you know you still need to be doing ...xxx..." was a task done by ICs. I told him I still was doing that, except when I had a scheduled appointment that would not allow me the time required for ...xxx... and asked, "where did you and the Executive Director get the idea I didn't want to do these tasks?" That's when I found out that there was gossip, and when I declined a task, suddenly, people thought I was refusing because I thought I was "above" doing them.

   You may want to compile a list of your job duties (from your job description) and your accomplishments and have it ready for your next "meeting" with him. If he again says you aren't doing your job, pull out your list of what you spent the last week doing, and ask how that translates to "not doing your job." Since he can't give you a list of what you are not doing, you can give him a list of what you are. I would also suggest you polish your resume and start looking for something else because it seems like they are looking for a reason to terminate you for a cause.

9. AnonymousFebruary 25,2023 at 6:44PM UTC

   I think its a talk to HR or start documenting your work product and give it to them in a format that is organized and structured. Ask them to grade it and provide feedback and also it might benefit to tell them how you best take feedback. Let them know that not giving you direct information is demotivating you and that you need their support especially if they think you are off track. I would also refer back to your job description and re-review the key points and in your last review what you were measured on and where you needed improvement. Not knowing how well or poorly the company is doing and what your role is (sales, marketing, other) if you are revenue driving and not hitting your numbers there could be cause for concern. If the company is not doing well sometimes if you are in a non-revenue role the managers are asked to stack rank and reduce the lowest performers. Look at your situation and decide if that is what is happening here. Not saying that to scare you but often that is the soft way they plan for removal of people from their teams with the least amount of issues. You should definitely be considering options if you in your gut feel something is truly amiss, you don't want to find yourself empty handed on no notice. Wishing you the best.

10. AnonymousFebruary 25,2023 at 11:51PM UTC

    It is clear that your manager is endeavoring to set the stage for downsizing or firing you.

    Document every interaction outside of work, on your own device, including the date, what was said and the manager’s inability to provide specifics or to suggest corrective action. Also document your work product and achievements.

    If you are fired or downsized, you might be able to pursue a wrongful termination suit. If you are being targeted on the basis of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin or sexual preference you can likely pursue a discrimination lawsuit. Consult an employment lawyer who represents employees on these subjects.

    Finally, start looking for alternative employment. You can do better!

11. BrandieFarmerFebruary 26,2023 at 7:48PM UTC

    Leave, your mental health is a priority and priceless.

12. Liz MilneFebruary 26,2023 at 11:17PM UTC

    I would stand up to the boss: 'You keep telling me I'm terrible at my job, but YOU are not proving ME with the tools to improve. Please help me to get better at my job, the way you are feeding back to me is NOT helping anyone.' I mean, dress it up a bit more politely if you like, but your boss sounds terrible!

13. AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 2:42PM UTC

    one thing to add, make sure your documentation is on a personal rather than a work device. Nothing worse than coming in only to find you are locked out of the system that has all of your documentation on it.

14. AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 8:27PM UTC

    They can’t/won’t tell you what you’re doing wrong or how to fix it because they’re trying to get you to quit.

    And since you’ve asked for feedback, gotten vague information, and then you still aren’t doing the job? That’s shifting goalposts. It’s a form of workplace bullying.

    Don’t quit. Let them fire you. You (might) get unemployment and a severance package. Document everything.

15. AnonymousMarch 3,2023 at 1:39AM UTC

    I wholeheartedly concur with this. Documentation is key and there is Paige Sparks and Attorney Ryan on IG that mention this.

16. AnonymousMarch 3,2023 at 10:01AM UTC

    This happened to me. The manager didn't know what she was doing so set about breaking me down. She told me 'some colleagues have said' I had a negative and stressed attitude. When I asked who had said that and how it had impacted on my work , she couldn't answer, I am stubborn and I didn't want to leave my job. I got my Union rep involved. Apparently unbeknown to me, she had a terrible relationship with our overall manager. How do people like this get managerial roles?!! I recorded everything so I had proof. Thankfully she left the role before Christmas but I suffered months of stress that made my health really bad. Please don't let this person get to you. If it went to a tribunal, they wouldn't have a leg to stand on.