It's That Time of Year

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Well, it's that time of year again.

The fiscal year is over for companies who count such things from the first of October to the thirtieth of September.

And that means it's Annual Performance Review time.

::cue ominous music::

At the company where I work, your annual performance review has three major impacts on your professional life: The amount of the end of year bonus you'll get; the amount of the raise you'll get; and whether or not you'll still have a job if lay-offs become necessary.

This year, I'm most interested in the third item. On my team, if lay-offs are necessary, the person who is selected is always the one with the lowest numerical performance value. It seems that lay-offs are always around the corner in today's economic climate, and now is really not a good time to be unemployed, regardless of what industry you're employed in. So I'm hoping I'll be at the top of the performance list, if only to ensure some small measure of job security.

Of course, I'd also be a happy camper if I get a bonus and/or a raise - I'm going to have some college tuition payments that will require my attention next summer, and all contributions will be cheerfully accepted.

But honestly, it's an employer's market right now, since most folks are just happy to be working and having money coming in. So I'm thankful that I have a boss that does not take advantage of that fact to treat his folks like poo.

My own evaluation meeting isn't until mid-month. I'm he most productive of my team, so I think I'll do okay, but you never know.

No wonder people are depressed around the holidays...

9 comments:

Jerry Critter said...

This is a very tough time to be laid off. The job market is tight and going to get tighter before it gets better. There are a lot of good people losing their jobs through no fault of their own.

It sucks!

Janiece said...

You said it, Jerry.

WendyB_09 said...

Well, folks, as one who has been out of full-time work for over a year, this is no time to be hunting a job!!

I've managed to survive on short term contract work through friends with small businesses who need a good writer/researcher. Even that has slowed down the last couple of months.

For every job I apply for, even with help from an insider, I'm competing against dozens, if not hundreds of applicants. I've been in top running for several positions only to have the company institute a hiring freeze, effective in the middle of my interview schedule. They'll call me when the freeze is lifted. Right...not holding my breath!

Good luck with your review!
WendyB_09

Random Michelle K said...

Ye gods.

I'm glad things got better at my job.

Janiece said...

Welcome, Wendy.

I'm sorry for your troubles - I hope you land something soon!

WendyB_09 said...

Thanks for the welcome janiece -
found my way here from Jim Wright's Stonekettle Station, which was recommended to me by my brother, dr_phil_physics.

Phil really is my brother in real life and I'm a very proud big sister as his writing career is really starting to take off!

wendyb_09

Janiece said...

Wendy, we love Dr. Phil. I don't know much about his writing career, but we have the nerd love around here, so how could we not love a physics professor?

Are you a scientist, too?

Janiece said...

Just found out today that three more people from our U.S. based team has been FMP'd.

Except they're calling it a "job action."

Yeah, right.

Shit.

Anne C. said...

My review (at the beginning of Nov) consisted of: "you're still here, so you know we like you and would like to keep you around." They let us know beforehand that there would be no raises this year and if we got bonuses, it would be after the first quarter next year.
I did find out from my boss that if it does come to layoffs, I'll be one of the last to go. "If it comes to that" he said, "I'll be going too, because they'll be asking me, 'Bob, you're only managing four people. Why are we keeping you?'". He's a funny guy.
If he left, I might go with.