Been at company 4 months.

Been at company 4 months. Since being there, many have been let go, including my superior. I am in a new role, in an industry I have been in for years. I was told to go in for a review which all employees are receiving. My panic is setting in. I do not know if I have been doing a good job, as I get 0 feedback or support. There have been financial losses, all out of my control. How can I overcome the anxiety?

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32 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Start preparing for the inevitable. Start applying for jobs aggressively. With people being let go to the magnitude stated shows signs of company instability beyond your control, even if a top performer. So take proactive steps to position for your transition. It will help reduce your anxiety by regaining control over your future and not leaving it to an unstable company to decide

  2. Anonymous

    I agree going to brush up my resume. Thank you. It’s an awful feeling.

  3. Lina

    Preparing for the worst could help, but so could advocating for yourself. Be prepared to tell them why they should keep you on (if you want to stay). Be able to point out positive performance and sell yourself as an asset. It may come down to whether you define yourself as a good fit to help move the company forward. Don't quit prematurely without letting them know what they could lose in you.

  4. Anonymous

    I may be over thinking but based on the track record I am concerned. I do not see this company as long term. They are having financial issues.

  5. JYJ

    I'm so sorry you're going through this after only 4 months!

    It won't matter if you've been doing a good job or not. You're in an organization that is laying people off due to financial losses. You overcome the anxiety by controlling what you can. Update your resume and get moving.

  6. Anonymous

    You are correct. Sadly I am updating my resume. I fear looking like a job hopper. I was at my last job 3

    months and left for this. 15 years at the company prior.

  7. JYJ

    I understand that fear of looking like a "job hopper", but people pay attention to what's happening with companies. I found myself in a similar position and I had several roles that only lasted a year. However, I also had a history of moving to more senior roles with each one. Not only that, when I was laid off due to financial issues, I was very transparent about it when asked. I said it was a shame because I loved my job and the people, and then I told them they could read all about it on the Glassdoor reviews (where there were tons of 1 stars for how the company made bad decisions resulting in layoffs). You got this!!

  8. Nancy Stein

    I went back to the job I left after 9 years. They were happy to have me back. Plus I have a pension here. I left for a $20,000 raise!!! But in the end, only your happiness matters! <3

  9. Brittany Wilson, Transformational Career Coach

    I am so sorry you are going through all of this. The thing you should focus on is what you can control. At this point, you can't control whether they will keep you or not. But, what you can control is preparing for the job market. Perhaps, start updating your resume, look around for careers that interest you, submit applications, practice interviews, determine your salary requirements. Preparing all of this could help you for the worst case scenario. And, if you don't get laid off, then you can choose to stay at the company or pursue other avenues.

    If you do get and decide to stay, I would recommend asking for regular feedback. You shouldn't have to wait for the review to get feedback; feedback is on-going. So, I would recommend asking something like, "I am not getting the amount of feedback that I would like to have day-to-day. How can I ensure I get regular feedback?"

  10. Anonymous

    Definitely. I did ask a week ago if my job was safe and they said yes. However, the company seems unstable.

  11. Brittany Wilson, Transformational Career Coach

    Well I am very glad to hear that your job is secure, but you also mention the company doesn't appear stable. So, I would recommend being proactive about job searching, just in case anything were to happen. You are doing all the right things and I admire your ability to read the writing on the walls. If you have any questions about how to navigate this time, feel free to reach out and I am happy to help.

  12. Anonymous

    Don’t rely on that answer. The person you spoke to might not really know or may not be truthful.

    i don’t want to add to your anxiety, but be prepared. Know what kind of packages they are giving if any and if you would qualify since you have only been there a few months. Be prepared to negotiate or at least to try to. Better to be safe than sorry.

  13. Maria Molinari

    I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this! Have you tried reaching out to people? Even one on one to start, break the ice a little.

    I like to dive right in and see where I fit bit I think the one on one tactic could work here. Are you virtual or brick and mortar?

  14. Anonymous

    Reaching out to people as far as what? I am brick and mortar.

  15. Afo Ogbeyalu Kalu

    I typically recommend that clients list out their accomplishments and contributions to an organization regularly. This practice serves as a confidence booster (as oftentimes we neglect to recognize our worth), and as a preparation for situations like yours. Even if there are financial losses, identify the ways in which you mitigated the impact of the net losses, or the steps you've identified to get the department, or your area back on track. Best case: you prove your value-add to "the powers that be" . . . Worst case: you are better poised to take on challenges associated with a new job hunt. Best of luck!

  16. Donna LaPointe

    I worked in Sales Operations and used a monthly focus and results sheet. It also shone a light on being nimble when unplanned tasks got completed along with planned tasks.

  17. Reb562

    It's a management change. I have seen this several times in very large corporations. You have a new C-suite person come in and they want to bring in their own people.

    This has nothing to do with you and sadly those above you are in the line of fire.

  18. Anonymous

    Oh yes. The new c-level has brought in his own folks and cleaned house of the directors and VP’s.

  19. Anonymous

    Welcome to post COVID America where no job is safe or secure. Companies who managed to stay solid during are going to fold due to the horrible economy right now. Not to mention how incredibly hard it is to get people in seats that will actually work.

  20. Anonymous

    Are they layoffs or reorganizations?
    My company is in a growth phase, but the prior org structure and many in management no longer align with where we are headed. It's been tough for the middle layer of people as some have new bosses, so it's important that they come to their new manager with a clear articulation of their skills and interests so the role they play is clear.

  21. Anonymous

    They are apparently going in a new direction and that is why so many have been fired. I think its a financial strategy.

  22. Anonymous

    Hi, so odd, I am in the exact same boat (been at my company for 4 months), but my leader is still here.
    I also have had no support and after about 2 months was put into a "special project" that was very ambiguous and had nothing to do with the role I was hired for. I had many questions but no one to turn to for support or help, so did the best I could, then was criticized mercilessly about it and put on a "performance improvement plan". I told my lead I felt it was unfair due to the info I provided above and he mumbled some vague platitudes and told me he'd follow up with me this week. I've been working for 25+ years and have never been in a situation where I've been treated so poorly, nor been labeled an "under performer" - I was at my last job for 15 years. I'm humiliated and panicked. I wish you the best in your job search - know you're not the only one going through this.

  23. Anonymous

    That is awful. I am also afraid this meeting will go sideways as I do mot know if I am doing well or poorly. Best of luck to you. Be confident and strong.

  24. Anonymous

    It makes sense for you to feel that way. Flip it around, they should be embarrassed that they didn’t have someone who could answer questions. Do not let them beat you down. Whether they see it or not, this is on them, not on you.

    I have been there and allowed it to mess with my self confidence. Now whenever a big project is due I have panic attacks. I wish I left back when this all started. Food for thought…

  25. Anonymous

    Thank you. This is a huge company with a ruthless reputation. I'm kicking myself in the behind for not listening to my friends who warned me about this company's culture. It's truly bizarre. I wake up crying every morning and my self esteem is around my ankles. My doctor told me I should go on disability b/c this job is making me sick but I'm afraid it won't allow me to pay for my expenses.

  26. Kimberly Graham

    Since you've been in the industry for years perhaps you're part of a tide change they want to make! Be confident in yourself and unless there are other signs of trouble (e.g., financial stability, etc.) I'd stay the course since this may turn into an amazing opportunity. By the way, if your supervisor was let go the very fact that you haven't received any feedback may be a sign there was a good reason behind the termination. Good luck!

  27. Anonymous

    I hope that is the case. Apparently my supervisor was let go for bullying.

  28. Queens Speak

    You can control if you would like to stay in a toxic work environment. If leadership doesn’t have the decency and humanity to provide guidance and information regarding the new direction, then they do not value the team members in my opinion.

    you can always go to the next manager in line to ask for help if you’re not comfortable with additional responsibilities. Sitting back unaware or anxious is not the way.

  29. GirlBossanova934974

    It appears that after some losses that your company has brought in a turnaround specialist. These folks are usually given a license of 3-6 months to turn around the ship. If you want to go with that, you can stick around. If not, it would be wise to leave.

  30. Anonymous

    Ugh I know. Seems new management came in and wants to turn the place around. Everyone is worried for their job. With a recession I feel stuck.

  31. GirlBossanova934974

    From my vantage point, the recruiter phone calls and emails are still pouring in. It is difficult when you are on Zoom call with your work group and the calls are coming in. My message? No one is stuck where they are at. It just takes effort to find something else. Organizations should have the smarts to do a round of layoffs and be done with it! Keeping up the drip drip drip of yet more layoffs destroys the company. Whatever that is left of the talent is gone in a few months.

  32. Anonymous

    I know its torture.

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