[gregjor]

Start looking for a new job. Worrying and over-analyzing and preparing for trauma is just going to paralyze you. Jobs don’t always work out for any number of reasons.

Have you tried talking to your manager about your performance and future at the company? If the company wants to get rid of you they can just fire you, dragging it out as you describe doesn’t make much sense with at-will employment.

[pigsinzen]

> Have you tried talking to your manager about your performance and future at the company?

I did. I go well out of my way (and comfort zone) to make very open conversations with him. I can't get any answers or feedback at all related to my future. He says my performance is not meeting his expectations and points to multiple examples -- subjective but he rationalizes and sells it well.

I believe he wants to get rid of me but needs corporate buy-in to make it happen. I've never been a manager before so I could be wrong.

[Nextgrid]

> I can't get any answers or feedback at all related to my future

> He says my performance is not meeting his expectations

You did get your answer - he wants you out. Performance is most likely an excuse (if he legitimately had issues with your performance but had otherwise no beef with you, he'd give you specific & actionable feedback on how to improve), but either way the point is that your future at that company doesn't exist and you need to plan your next move now.

[gregjor]

Yeah, if the manager isn’t giving you a specific plan and goals to improve performance then you should move on.

It’s hard to know for sure but I would interpret what you describe as the manager building a case for dismissal with cause. Since the company can let you go without cause at any time they are doing this either to save on unemployment benefits or as a precaution against a lawsuit. The manager is not telling you anything because he’s made the decision and now just has to avoid HR legal troubles.

Regardless of the reasons or corporate maneuvering you should focus your efforts on moving on. If you can’t make your current situation better then any time and worry you give to it is wasted. It’s easier to get another job while you’re employed so take advantage of the apparently slow process at your current job.