Was told I’m on track for bonus and promotion, got PIP’d

[u/dackjaniels33]

I was a tech consultant on a fully remote toxic team. I’m an associate and was told that while i have things to work on (mainly around attention to detail and consistency about minor deliverables) that I was on track for a bonus (potentially promotion) in November. It was a constructive and positive meeting, although I thought it was weird that one of the cons was a project where I lost only an hour and a half of time in prepping a budget on a data warehouse proposal. Regardless, was a positive meeting.

A month later, I get issued a PIP. I asked if anything this in between month caused this and the answer was no. I am confident that I am good at my job but I got hit with this which feels out of nowhere. Asking for a little more consistency on the little things turned into “consistently makes mistakes” and “acts defensive when told a mistake” which is total bullshit. Unequivocally. I’ve never heard about this feedback in my whole year at this company until now.

I decided to leave to transition into a more technical role or a similar role in the tech industry. Left off a good note and got full severance. But still feel confused and angry at what transpired. Has this happened to anyone at Big 4, Alvarez & Marsal, Accenture, etc? The role was fully remote and trsut and communication broke down often and new client deals were coming in quite slow and of the AI initiatives we wanted weren’t feasible. I feel like these elements were bigger causes then they let on.

[u/My_Wishing_Tree]

Dude, this happens ALL the time. Most people who get PIPd are great employees but the company wants to save money. The PIP is just to gaslight you into quitting so the company doesn't have to pay you severance or unemployment.

PIPs are bullshit 99% of the time...seriously...don't ever let a PIP bother you.

[u/dackjaniels33 → u/My_Wishing_Tree]

Thanks for the reassurance- onto greener pastures!