Let me tell you why performance reviews are the biggest scam in the corporate world. I recently got a new job in a new industry and, like anyone making a career switch, I had to learn on the job. Sure, I made a few mistakes—who wouldn’t? It’s part of the learning curve. But guess what? My probation period got extended. They claimed I needed to be more independent. Fine, I thought, I’ll show them I can handle things on my own.
So, I put my head down, worked hard, minimized mistakes, and made decisions based on my judgement and data instead of constantly checking in with my manager. I thought I was doing exactly what they wanted. But then, surprise! My probation got extended again. This time, they said it was because I wasn’t taking initiative and actively asking for feedback.
Excuse me? First, they tell me I need to be more independent, so I stop pestering my manager with every little question. Then, they turn around and say I’m not being proactive enough in seeking feedback? What kind of twisted game is this? It’s like they’re moving the goalposts every time I get close to scoring.
Let’s talk about how they treat you during probation. It’s like being a second-class citizen. No bonuses, no company benefits—just the privilege of being constantly scrutinized and judged. Despite this, I focused on the work, even though I was basically doing it with one hand tied behind my back. And now they expect me to lead initiatives and be a trailblazer?
I’m done with this shit show. I’ve been applying for new jobs since the first review, and I can’t wait to get out of this shithole. Performance reviews are a fucking scam.