Moving On
My boss formally gave me what's called a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan).
Two weeks ago, I walked into our regularly scheduled meeting, only to find not just my boss, but HR as well. They handed me sheets of paper outlining ways in which I need to improve my performance. Apparently, I need to work on my project management, time management, and communication skills. The PIP explicitly stated that I needed to provide certificates of completion from Skillpath (or another online resource), though the HR person clarified that these are "suggestions" — which made the whole thing more confusing.
My boss quickly ran through all of her "observations" about me, whereas I wanted to stop and actually read it for myself, not just skim. After all, my job is on the line. Not only did I disagree with my supervisor's characterization of my work and what was considered a "problem," but I explicitly told them I disagreed with the assessment. My boss didn't have anything to say to that.
When I brought up the fact that we've been taking on external fabrication jobs — which are also not part of my job description — she didn't have anything to say about that either. Great.
I clarified with both of them that it sounded to me like I don't have much of a choice here: that I have to sign it, and that I risk being terminated if I don't. Maybe that was too on the nose — but is that not what's happening?
As part of all this, for 60 days, I have to BCC my boss on all patron emails (this is not a joke), submit a daily work log, and provide evidence of how I am improving in the areas she mentioned.
When, at a later meeting, I asked HR how they would be able to tell that my communication had improved, she said "we'll be able to tell" — which is not a satisfactory answer. At yet another meeting (yesterday), HR refused to even look at the specific course I wanted to take and told me that I am overthinking things and coming across as incompetent. Yikes.
I clarified that my job is on the line, so if I'm being overly careful about doing things right, it's because I don't want to get fired — which I think is a fair and defensible position.
As a result of all this, I'm documenting absolutely everything: saving emails, screenshots, you name it. I want to be bulletproof, and yes, over-communicate and annoy my boss if need be.
What breaks my heart is that I've been with this company for almost four years, and this does not feel like just treatment. I do my job. The makerspace runs, classes run, and things are maintained. It kills me how there is such a lack of empathy. HR is there to protect the company. My boss doesn't relate to me, and when I tell her I'm overwhelmed by all the asks, she frames it as a me problem.
As a nonprofit, we should be able to say no to things. The answer is not to get better at time management — we need to learn how to prioritize some things over others, and I think that's okay. I don't think that's my boss's perspective.
I've decided that I'm going to start looking for other jobs. I don't entirely know where to go from here, but there are some university positions in the area that I might apply to.
My plan is to build a portfolio of projects I've made or overseen, update my resume, and start applying.
It sucks — but maybe this is the change I need in my life.
Take care, and thank you for reading.