“Harassed; On Final Warning; Getting Sick – Is it time to give up and find a new job?”
Published on August 20th, 2008 by Alan Sklover
Question: I’ve been with my bank for three years. A year ago a new manager came on board who I have had nothing but conflict with. He claimed I was not performing well, and I also claimed that he was harassing me. My complaint was dismissed, but I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan. Now I’m getting sick from physical and mental distress, so badly that I’ve been placed on medical leave. I’m considering whether to go back when I get better. I know that if I return I will again be placed on Final Warning. My new husband suggests I should look for a new job, before they fire me. Your advice?
Mei, from Jersey City, NJ
Answer: On our Blog, under “Negotiation Pointers,” we have a brief article entitled “Knowing When It’s Time to Simply “Fold ‘Em.” For you, it seems, that time has come.
Your manager and you don’t have good working relations. Your HR Department has taken steps to terminate your employment. You are only one-half a step away from being fired. And you are getting sick. Your new husband cares for you, and he’s right: find something new.
Even if you “won” the battle, you’ll probably lose this war. Instead, devote your energies to regaining your health, finding a new job, and succeeding there . . . all positive stuff. Let your manager harass someone else; it’s no longer your concern. You have enough to do to help yourself. Oh, yes . . .one more thing: keep visiting our blog.
Best, Al Sklover
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Definitely find a new job, I am in a position similar to yours and I also work in a bank. I have been in the job for 5 months and constantly feel put down by the managers. They have taken a dislike to me and relate their put downs to how I perform at work. I am great with customers and my sales are always met. I feel for you and am looking for a job myself.
I ALSO work for a bank. Funny how this identical behavior occurs at banks.
I have done a good job; now the workload has lightened and they need one less person. They have targeted me….put me on a PIP, when I was counseled and presented the PIP, basically told me I had a big attitude problem when I tried to defend myself during the PIP.
Almost every claim on the PIP is FALSE.
I believe that HR has a template with some FALSE, generic claims that can be made to get rid of someone such as “Not proactive”, “Doesn’t like to multitask”, etc.
I think you should Fight It.