what to do when your boss tells You that they were thinking about to fired you on your first 3 months but finally decided to keep keep you because they think you are valuable…should I resign ?

7 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 8,2022 at 7:35AM UTC

   I would bring it up to someone higher up such as their boss or HR.

2. Cindy AllenOctober 8,2022 at 1:10PM UTC

   This is a learning experience that is being gifted to you. First, please recognize that nobody is a perfect manager. I don’t think it was necessarily appropriate to mention that because it rarely produces a good result. Assume positive intent and look at it as a fumbling attempt to give you feedback.

   Now that it’s out there - ask why their mind was changed? What qualities have you demonstrated that showed the value that you bring? What things were of concern? What can you do better?

   This does a couple of things. It shows you are interested in improving (and everyone can improve on something - it doesn’t mean you aren’t “good” at what you do.). It gives your boss an opportunity to think through his statement and give better feedback (remember bosses aren’t magically perfect when they become the boss). And it gives you a view directly from the boss of what brings value.

   Good luck!

3. Kimberly GrahamOctober 10,2022 at 5:35PM UTC

   Yes! I agree 100%.

4. bbryanOctober 9,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

   I'm curious about this person's situation a bit like mine. Longer term employee, consistent good reviews and then there were problems with key client.

   Some problems were due to me, burnt out, lack of support, etc. But also promises made to client by higher ups and not delivered.

   I get pulled, told 'not meeting expectations and 'on a plan'.

   Suddenly the plan for support that I wrote 3 years ago is implemented and client is happy with 4 vs 1 person.

   The plan is fairly simple and almost religious on 'reflect'. My gut feel is my immediate supervisor is sheltering me with 'being punished' and 'out of sight out of mind'.

   My expectation is I will survive this ok. But what do I do next? I want to wait for bonus time in the spring but not sure of my steps after..

   I'm well know in my field and can find other jobs fast or take some time off for myself.

   Looking for thoughts from Sr. HR and others.

5. AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

   Honestly, there was no reason for the manager to tell you they were *thinking* about firing you. It's a form of psychological manipulation and even cruelty. If they change their mind, there was no reason for them to tell you that highly negative information. This would give me red flags all over the place. If you have the option of finding another/better job, I would look for it. If not, be cordial but very careful with this particular manager. Who knows which way they'll blow in the wind a month from now.

6. AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 2:22PM UTC

   I had a similar situation happen to me where I was at a job and got a new supervisor. She told us the head of the department asked her how we were performing since she came in, and that she had his blessing to get rid of the whole team and start over. This did not sit well with me. I found another job soon after.

7. Madam anon663October 9,2022 at 4:22PM UTC

   That is absurd to say something like that to a direct report, and expect them to respect you. I would start looking elsewhere if someone feels that comfortable being a jerk.