I’m a new grad who started at one of the Big Tech companies this past year. Been recently notified that I’m in danger of being placed under PIP due to underperformance, which I thought was fair due to extenuating familial circumstances. I’m personally feeling despair in being capable or being able to stay in the tech industry considering my lack of ability or general aptitude.
…PIP?
Personal Improvement Plan. It’s a nominally a management tool for getting underperformers to get up to where they’re expected to be.
Many will tell you that it is just a step in the firing process. That’s how I’ve heard it described.
Honestly, that’s usually how things work out and it’s just one of the seven circles of Hell a manager need to put you through to finally get you out the door, but people do occasionally get out of PIPs with their jobs intact.
I’ve seen a few people put on PIPs at a FAANG and none of them survived. The main reason for the PIP was to make sure enough data was gathered to be able to fire them without worrying about being sued.
An app?
Not usually. It’s a business process, so it’s often done on paper or something. “Write down how you plan to stop sucking so badly, we’ll come back in 6 weeks and review your progress”