Stage 3 · Lesson 6 of 7
Read your own performance signals
Many companies now use layoffs and "low performer" cuts at the same time, so your review rating matters more than it used to. Learn the signals early. Good signs: you get harder work, your manager asks your opinion, you are named in updates.
Warning signs: vaguer feedback, work taken away, being left out of planning, a sudden focus on written goals. A (PIP) is a formal document listing what must improve by a date. Some are genuine, some are a paper trail before an exit.
Ask directly and calmly: "How would you rate my work right now, and what would move it up?"
Common trapavoiding the question because you fear the answer. Knowing early gives you time to improve or to start looking on your own terms.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 2 cheat sheet entries come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- GuideFreeGet Your Work Recognized: Write a Brag Document
Julia Evans
A template for writing down your impact every week, so it is ready when someone asks
- GitHub repoFreePath to Senior Engineer Handbook
Jordan Cutler · Intermediate
The sections on ownership, impact and working with your manager