Considering Quitting Before a Write-Up?
I’ve been in the auto loan refinance industry for over two years, and I’m facing a difficult situation: I’m likely to receive a performance improvement plan (PIP) notice by the end of this month due to my declining performance. Until recently, I was regarded as a fairly competent salesperson, but with the rapid changes at my company—particularly concerning client management and the criteria for performance evaluations—I now find myself struggling to meet new expectations.
In my experience with job searching, I’ve often encountered questions about whether I’ve been written up in the past few months. Do employers actually verify this information if I were to say I haven’t? Is this practice legal? I’m based in Colorado and have heard conflicting information regarding what HR departments can disclose. From what I understand, they generally can only confirm basic facts like employment dates and whether I was let go or quit, and not much else.
As I assess my options for leaving my current job, I’d like your advice on the best course of action. Should I quit before I sign any write-up documentation? Would it be better to accept the write-up and then provide my two weeks’ notice next month? What steps can I take to minimize any negative impact on my job search? I appreciate any insights or guidance on how to navigate this challenging situation. Thank you!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a really tough situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few thoughts on how to navigate this:
Assess the Situation: If you’re certain you’re going to be written up and feel the performance expectations have become unrealistic due to recent changes, it might be worth considering leaving before that write-up is formalized. If you can do so without jeopardizing your finances, this could allow you to avoid a potentially damaging mark on your employment history.
Understand Your Rights: In Colorado, as in many states, companies can only confirm basic employment details. However, if you were to be written up, this could be documented and possibly come up during reference checks or background checks. It’s generally advisable to be honest during the job application process, but the specifics can vary by company.
Timing Your Exit: If you choose to stay until a write-up, signing it might put you on tougher footing during your job search, especially if the document indicates ongoing performance issues. However, if you believe you can improve your performance before the end of the PIP, it might make sense to stay a little longer and use that time to look for another job.
Job Hunting: Start looking now. Even if you stay with your current company for a little while, you can begin applying to other jobs. You can also work on your resume and practice your answers for common interview questions, including topics around performance issues. Focus on highlighting your past successes and your adaptability to change.
Networking: Reach out to your professional network as you look for new opportunities. Personal referrals can often help you bypass some of the more complex application and vetting processes.
Consider Consulting or Freelancing: If you’re concerned about taking time off to recharge and reset, consider part-time consulting or freelancing in your field. This can also help ease the transition.
Plan for the Future: Use this experience as a learning opportunity. Consider what skills or changes would help you thrive in similar positions, and maybe even look into roles in more stable companies or industries as you move forward.
Ultimately, trust your instincts about your situation, and prioritize your well-being. No job is worth sacrificing your mental health. Good luck, and remember that it’s perfectly okay to seek out opportunities that better align with your skills and strengths!