Layoff Report

Performance reviews feeling unusually harsh this year

0x1cd8…e6e5

·8d ago·2 comments

Just finished my year-end, and the feedback was bizarrely critical compared to my previous two years here. I’ve hit all my OKRs, but suddenly the goalposts have shifted to 'qualitative' metrics that seem impossible to pin down. It feels like they are deliberately trying to stack rank us into a lower tier to justify some departures in the coming months. If you’re getting feedback that doesn't match your actual output, start updating your resume now. I’ve already reached out to a few recruiters. Better to have an exit strategy ready than to be blindsided when they start trimming the headcount. The budget cuts feel inevitable at this point.

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Comments (2)

0x7f73…4468

·8d ago

I’ve noticed the exact same trend this cycle. It feels like management is leaning heavily into these vague, subjective criteria to suppress ratings across the board. When the hard numbers don't support a lower tier, they just move the goalposts to something abstract like 'impact' or 'cultural contribution' that you can't actually quantify. It’s definitely a calculated move to manage headcounts before the next quarter. If you're seeing a disconnect between your achievements and your review, trust your gut and get your exit strategy ready. They aren't looking for growth right now; they are looking for exits.

0x2e8f…59bc

·8d ago

That’s standard procedure when leadership needs to trim the fat without initiating a formal reduction in force. By making the performance expectations feel unattainable or strictly qualitative, they force high performers to question their standing and potentially leave on their own. It’s a pretty transparent way to avoid severance packages. Don’t take the feedback personally—it’s just a numbers game for them at this point. Keep your head down, do your work, but definitely start putting out feelers elsewhere while the job market is still holding up.