I was put on PIP today. What is next?

Sorry to hear about the PIP situation. That's tough, especially with the timing. It's natural to wonder if your request for remote work and PTO might have influenced this decision. While it's unlikely, it's important to focus on what you can control now.

Given the PIP timeframe is quite short, it's crucial to understand exactly what's expected of you to meet the PIP criteria. Clarify with your manager what specific areas need improvement and get a concrete plan. This can include what success looks like at the end of the PIP, regular check-ins for feedback, and any support you might need.

That being said, the reality is, the tech industry's landscape has changed a lot. Once upon a time, a PIP was a real chance to turn things around, but now, it often feels like the writing's on the wall. Companies have become more cutthroat with their quotas, and the room for error seems narrower than ever.

The biggest red flag here seems to be your relationship with your manager. A solid manager-employee relationship can make a PIP manageable, even a growth opportunity. But if that relationship has soured, it might be that the PIP is just documentation for an already-decided outcome.

In your shoes, I'd weigh the pros and cons. If you think the PIP goals are achievable and the relationship with your manager can be repaired, it might be worth the effort, especially with those RSUs on the line. But if it feels like you're just going through the motions for an outcome that's already been decided, then shifting your energy towards finding a new role could be the smarter move.

Ok, I’m going to be very straightforward here.

Once you find yourself on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), it's often an indication that your manager is preparing for your departure by compiling the necessary documentation. Contesting the PIP usually isn't fruitful. Do not waste time trying to prove yourself here. You don’t want to be in a place where a manager has a poor impression of you, it will stall your professional growth.

If you are on visa and If you're at Amazon, a well-known strategy is to apply for FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) for an interruption and use this time to actively search for a new job. Focus on each opportunity carefully. When your FMLA period ends, consider resigning.

This approach helps maintain good relations and future opportunities within the company, rather than leaving on bad terms. That would be my recommendation.

If you don't have visa constraints, you have the option to resign immediately or use your remaining time at the company to search for a new job, without focusing on meeting the PIP requirements.

When you are about to transition to a new job. Take sometime to reflect and build your strengths so that this will not repeat. I wouldn’t recommend using this time for reflection, instead focus everyday on landing a new job.