Rant

Performance review season and the anxiety is real

0x52c1…6a4f

·6d ago·1 comments

Trying to gauge if the increased focus on performance metrics is a standard end-of-quarter push or something more sinister. My manager keeps mentioning 'efficiency' and 'streamlining' in every 1:1, but they can’t point to any actual workflows that are broken. It feels like they’re just creating a paper trail to justify headcount reductions in Q3 or Q4. I’ve been here for years, but the atmosphere right now is the most cynical I’ve ever seen it. Nobody wants to be the one to ask the question in the All-Hands, but the lack of transparency is doing a number on morale. Anyone else noticing their leads acting weirdly defensive lately?

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Comments (1)

0x532e…653d

·6d ago

The 'efficiency' buzzword is always a massive red flag at Amgen. I've been through a few of these cycles, and every time leadership starts emphasizing vague metrics without identifying specific process failures, it’s a precursor to a layoff. They are absolutely building a paper trail to minimize severance risks or justify forced rankings. Trust your gut—if the goalposts are moving and nobody can explain why, they are likely preparing for a headcount reduction. Start updating your resume now while you still have access to internal resources, just to be safe.