Quit before getting fired?

Question

I am in a tough position...I graduated college in May from a top school, top of class and while thinking about going to law school, I started working an entry level job at a top firm. I thought I was doing well until my supervisors sought feedback from my more experienced coworkers about me and she decided to tell my boss every mistake I have made since I started. Now my boss has threatened to fire me if I don't show a month of improvement. However, she will be getting feedback from the same girl who clearly does not like me, and since I am under "review" I can't really defend myself. In addition, I realize that this job really isn't what I want and I would be much happier in the non-profit world doing what I like and not working 70 hour weeks. I am thinking about quitting after only 3 months on the job in order to prevent myself from possibly getting fired, but am worried that I will have a hard time finding a new one since I would have left so early. What should I do?

Answer 1

If you've only been there 90 days I wouldn't worry about it. You can walk in and tell them to get bent and just leave. What kind of reference can you expect from them either way? If you do decide to leave make sure you give them a resignation letter that includes your reasons. Especially if the other employees are giving you grief instead of helping you to learn what it is that you're supposed to be doing. Training is everything Darling, and if they aren't willing to invest in it and forgive mistakes that you make in the learning process they are doomed to failure. Top companies don't get to the top and stay at the top that way.

3 Months? Pah! That's nothing over the life of your career. Don't even claim you ever worked there. Say you were on a journey of discovery or something- which isn't stretching it. You discovered that company sucks didn't you?

Or you COULD stay and hate it. If you'd like to stay and fight for a job you hate then be my guest but remember when all is said and done what will you have won? What is Victory for the sake of victory?

I saw a bumper sticker once that read:

I BUY THINGS
....... I don't need
WITH MONEY
........I don't have
TO IMPRESS PEOPLE
........I don't like

Don't build a career on the same mentality. At least I wouldn't and I didn't.

Good Luck.

PS- I'd hire you.

Answer 2

Do NOT quit. You need to accept this challenge and prove to them you can do it. Otherwise, you'll really ruin yourself professionally. Quitting is like admitting you did screw up all the time and will only make the other girl look right.

For the next month, send your boss weekly updates of all the projects you're working on. When corresponding with this girl who doesn't like you, make sure everything happens via e-mail. That way you have a hard copy of what you were asked to do and what you did. If she asks you to do something in person, send her an e-mail later saying "Sarah, I just wanted to clarify the details of the project we spoke about earlier." Then list the major points. She'll respond and give you the proof you need. If she doesn't respond, it'll make her look bad.

CC your boss on all important e-mails between you and this girl.

ALSO: Send your boss a quick e-mail tomorrow thanking her for the feedback and letting her know you'll make major improvements. You may also want to refer her to a coworker with whom you've had positive interaction, so she hears both sides of the story.

Answer 3

Plan an exit strategy.

Draw up a schedule for the review process at your current firm so you have an idea of target deadlines before you have to push the eject button.

Polish your resume while you can highlight the positives.

Target non-profits you're interested in & check job postings.

Network, use your alumni group & college job center, volunteer to make contacts & check out different organizations.

Since you are a recent grad, see if you college counseling center will help you out & let you see an advisor or recommend one near you to talk about this situation.

Check in w/ your supervisor to make sure you are progressing & keep documentation (i.e. take notes during the meetings, summarize outcomes, have written objectives, keep a calendar & note all dates & times) In other words, CYA. By documenting things - you will be indicating how serious your are & having ammunition if needed later.

Set a goal for yourself - "I will be out of here by X time."

Make a list of positive reasons you want a change:
- job satisfaction
- change of goals
- desire to acquire skills in new area that may relate to law school
- use other skills (i.e. speak foreign language)

Focus on what you have going for you & believe in your motivations. Don't let these people tear you down.

Answer 4

Am trying to cut down. I had knee replacement surgery and then I fell and tore a tendon. The surgery for the torn tendon was horrible. I remember sobbing for three hours because the pain was unbearable after that surgery.I am finally going back to work and I don't want to quit cold turkey just now. I am trying to take half a pill four times a day.I cannot sleep and had my husband hide the pills so I do not take too many.

Answer 5

quitting now would only prove both your boss and that girl right. if you love challenges and think you can do better this month or the next then prove them wrong. people like that girl will always find their way to criticize you on your next job... then what happends? take again the easier way out and find a new job? history will try to repeat itself over and over unless you put a stop into it, try to talk to this person and ask her if she knows how it should be done then maybe the both of you could help each other out and both excel. If she doesn't want to cooperate then just do your work on your small corner and do good, regardless of what they would say the truth would always come out and they would recognize your efforfs sooner or later. I was once on your shoes..
and that's what i did..

Answer 6

i agree that your position is tough.

there are two things you can do: 1. you would have good reason to polish up your resume and find a new position elsewhere. in my mind, that would be a backup plan. sure put it out there that you are on the prowl for a new position. when you get your reply/s you'll have the chance of landing on your feet.
2. there is no reason for you not to give this one month a damn good go. have faith in yourself. can you improve your brand of work and not be making so many mistakes along the way? or do you feel that they were correct in their assessment? see, you are trying to make this personal. wrong! this is business. the co-workers had something to report when required. the next time they are required, their report may be better. do you think you have it in you? well?
go and keep your eye on the prize this time and do it up nice.

Answer 7

You should stay quiet around that girl. You do not talk about yourself on anything with anyone at that workplace. I sense there is a lot of jealousy. You need to keep a straight face (best, happy smile) at all time. In the meantime, look for a job immediately and then quit ASAP.

Answer 8

I wouldn't quit until you find another position to move right into. If you get fired it's not the worst thing in the world....you haven't really been there that long anyway.

Answer 9

quit fired

Answer 10

Hang in there and search for a new job right away. Like that when you leave you'll be prepared.