I was put on a performance plan two months back and now I have been asked to either resign or I will be fired.

18 Comments

1. Jennifer coppolaSeptember 28,2021 at 12:53PM UTC

   Without knowing all the details, it sounds like the options really are what you stated: to resign or be fired. Here, I would consider any severance package (financial, healthcare) that could be at risk if you resign versus them letting you go.

2. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 1:07PM UTC

   You will not be able to stay so there is no option there. You cannot force a company to employ you. But there are ways to protect your status. Are you in an "at will" state?

   Also if the company fires you without proper cause, then you can fight any denial of unemployment so you will be able to collect those benefits.

   Finally, without detail, it's hard to say if you have a legal cause of action.

3. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 1:34PM UTC

   If they are not offering a severance package, be sure to check your state’s guidelines on collecting unemployment if you quit

4. Kristie WhiteSeptember 28,2021 at 2:10PM UTC

   If you resign, it will look better on your resume but it can impact your unemployment. You need to contact the unemployment agency for your state and find out the details of resigning vs. being terminated. If you are fired, you will have that to contend with and the need to explain that to any future employers. You need to be clear about why your performance did not improve so you can correct that in the future. If you think you tried and have any goodwill with the company, try to get a reference letter in hard copy. Then you can use this letter electronically via scan or picture and release it when needed. But if it is your fault and you have no justification for it, then your goodwill is limited.

5. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 2:30PM UTC

   It was more of a personality clash and overall work culture. I rejected working late hours and during weekends.

6. Kristie WhiteSeptember 28,2021 at 2:43PM UTC

   Your work schedule should be tied to the requirements of your job. If working late hours and weekends was part of your job, then this is not a personality clash - this is you choosing not to fulfill the requirements of your job duties. If, on the other hand, working late and weekends is not something that is typically done and it is not part of the job description then you have to know why this was being required. Is it temporary because of labor shortages? Is it to meet current demand and you are expected to support the team? Are other co-workers also working late and on weekends to help meet these demands? Do you have reasons why you cannot meet these requirements? Are you being compensated accurately for these hours?

   As you can see, personality is not part of this evaluation. But if the work culture is excessive hours without justification, then you have a stronger foundation. It doesn't change your decision about resigning vs. termination, but it does give you the understanding to position yourself for your next position.

7. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 2:59PM UTC

   The job requires some amount of additional hours but not to the extend that it requires one to work extra on a regular basis nor does the contract say so. There is staff shortage which is adding to this.

8. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 2:31PM UTC

   Let them fire you so that you can collect unemployment. And, make sure you have record of performance and what you have done to improve within the plan. You may even have option to file a complaint with EEOC if related to harassment, disability of a protected class etc. Without knowing more, that is all I can offer.

9. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 2:32PM UTC

   Don't have any great wisdom to offer that hasn't already been mentioned. I am wondering why they have the balls to keep you long enough to let you choose. That must be stressful (unless you are on leave at home). Kristie is right, call the unemployment office because in my state if you resign, you get no benefits and the employer can deny benefits. I was able to get a hearing from unemployment to contest I had no reason to get fired (even though I live in an at-will state) and I got to subpoena three witnesses. When I chose my boss, her boss and the HR lady, they quickly changed their tune and paid me. Don't give up- just remember that failure is fertilizer and there are a lot of jobs out there to be had.

10. KathySeptember 28,2021 at 3:31PM UTC

    This is good advice.

11. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 2:37PM UTC

    During the performance plan I was told I was improving in one instance when my Manager was going away on leave and she needed me to cover for her and then all of a sudden after she came back she has been maintaining that my performance has been unsatisfactory no matter what I did. And now I have been told I will be sacked or I should resign. Is this fair treatment? Does it amount to bullying?

12. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 5:30PM UTC

    It's moot at the point. You have been told of their decision. Now you need to take care of yourself and get your head into the job search game. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile and start networking. Z

13. Jocelyn LyonsSeptember 28,2021 at 3:18PM UTC

    Do you believe that your performance improved? Do you have any evidence to support it? It's tough to offer advice without full context, but I imagine that your employer knows that they have grounds to give you this ultimatum. If you want to fight them on it, I would prepare yourself with anything that supports your argument that you have improved.

14. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 3:43PM UTC

    There were areas to focus on but I don’t believe I needed to be put on a performance plan! If the manager had the trust in me to vest the responsibility of the entire project on me while she was going away on leave even when I was on a performance plan, how can it change suddenly?

15. Jocelyn LyonsSeptember 28,2021 at 3:55PM UTC

    I wonder if that was meant to be an opportunity for you to showcase skills, responsibility, leadership, or whatever it is that they are looking for? It's really hard to say from an outsider's perspective. I sincerely hope things work out and you find a better fit with your next employer! Every setback is an opportunity.

16. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 3:20PM UTC

    It doesn't matter if it's fair or not. They want you gone. But you might use this in your favor.

    Outline your terms to include severance and unemployment. Tell them if they agree you will honor their wishes and will leave quietly and quickly.

17. Joanne RosenSeptember 28,2021 at 4:01PM UTC

    Hopefully you have already updated your resume and started the job search. Definitely leave on your own terms. It's easier to answer an interview question with the truth: I left my last position because it wasn't a good fit . . . or . . . I wanted to move into blah blah.

    Cheers
    Joanne
    www.analyticadvantagecc.com

18. AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 2:00PM UTC

    Options are to leave with grace or to make a scene. Those are your options. But like others have offered, try to get severance and unemployment before you leave.