A Reddit user recently shared their frustrating experience of being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) just five months into a new job — all because they refused to work on weekends and during their personal leave.
In the viral post, the employee explained that after much back-and-forth, they finally got approval for a four-day leave. However, things took a turn when their manager insisted they complete their work targets even while on leave. The employee politely declined, explaining they would be traveling and unable to work. Their manager’s ominous response? “I’d like to see that.”
Upon returning to the office, the employee noticed a sharp change in their manager’s behavior — cold and distant. By evening, HR called with the news: their performance was allegedly “subpar,” and they were being placed on a PIP. Talk about a warm welcome back!
After the story caught fire on Reddit, users were quick to weigh in with advice and personal horror stories.
One user commented,
“I can see you’re frustrated and want to fight for your rights. But don’t let this mess affect your future. Word spreads. Companies do check LinkedIn rants. The firm sounds toxic — they’ve already made up their mind to kick you out. Forget the five months — just leave ASAP!”
Another chimed in with a personal account,
“You got PIP? I got terminated because I denied working on Sunday!”
Several users stressed the importance of protecting oneself.
“Document everything — how your performance is measured, your last ratings — and start looking for another job immediately. Getting PIP-ed for such a silly reason is absurd,” one user advised.
Some pointed out a familiar pattern among smaller firms and startups.
“Is this a startup or a small organisation? Policies there often mean nothing. They bend rules as they like. Move to a bigger firm — it won’t guarantee a drama-free life, but at least you’ll have more safeguards. And seriously, avoid Indian startups and Lala companies like the plague — toxicity levels are off the charts,” another user said bluntly.
