A Reddit post shared about a new employee being put on a Performance Improvement Plan after just two weeks has sparked discussions about workplace norms. The employee fell seriously ill early, missed days, then got a short, vague PIP without proper metrics. Recruited by a former colleague, they felt blindsided after declining another offer.
A Reddit post from a newly hired employee has sparked a wide debate online after the worker revealed they were positioned on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) just two weeks into a new job, raising questions about workplace culture, onboarding practices, and early warning signs employees should not ignore.
The employee stated that they joined the company during the second week of the year but immediately ran into trouble after falling seriously ill. According to the post, managers sent them home on three separate days during their initial week because of the severity of their condition.
After coming back to work for only a few days, the worker was informed they had been positioned on a two-week PIP, with no properly defined performance goals and only vague explanations were provided for the decision.
“I can’t believe I’m writing this,” the employee said, describing feelings of shock, anger, and disappointment.
Adding to the distress was the fact that the employee had been recruited by a former colleague, whom they considered a friend. They stated there had been no prior discussions about performance challenges before the PIP was issued.
“I turned down another job for this role,” the employee cited, adding that the situation left them feeling “useless and worthless.”
While the employee admitted noticing several warning signs at the company already, they said they were reluctant to leave because they feared being unemployed. They also showed a desire to speak with the former colleague who supported them, hoping for clarity about what initiated them to take the sudden disciplinary action.
The post struck a chord with readers, several of whom said the situation mirrored deeper organizational challenges rather than individual performance.
Reactions from other users were swift and largely unanimous in tone.
One user commented: “Start searching for a new job. Any place that would put an employee on a PIP after 2 weeks is not a place you want to work…and it sounds like they are actively looking to fire you anyway.”
Another one wrote: “PIP during your first 2 weeks? This is a “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst” situation. PIP in general is a RGE (resume generating event), but having a PIP during the initial 2 weeks is EXTRA bad. You haven’t even been fully onboarded at this point, they could cut you loose with very little impact on their end. You need to be applying like CRAZY.”
One user mentioned: “The job that you turned down – give them a call. I am wondering if your current employer has a reputation for being dysfunctional?”
Another user said: “Just fired last wk from similar if not the same company. PIP in first month is insane and yes like other statements probably just looking to fire with “cause.” Call the last company or maybe boomerang back to old company. Start looking for jobs NOW while you have this one. Got fired for exact reason and now figuring out how to do interviews after being fired for the first time”
One commented: “Is the person who recruited you on good terms with management??? They could be humiliating you to spite him/her! I can’t tell you how many times I got a referral for a job and it completely backfired because the hiring manager hated the person referred me…🤦♀️”
Q1. What is a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)?
A PIP is a formal document outlining performance concerns and expected improvements. It is meant to help employees meet job expectations within a set timeframe.
Q2. Is it normal to receive a PIP within the first few weeks?
Early PIPs are uncommon and often viewed as a warning sign. Most roles require longer onboarding and adjustment periods.
