I’ll be joining Wayfair as a data Scientist soon. Because of imposter syndrome, I really feel worried. What are the chances of getting a PIP in my first year at Wayfair? Thanks.
Ignore the troll. 68.7%
Upcoming downturn would lead to cost cuttings and reduced headcount. That'd add a further 0.3% chances, rounding up the probability to 69%.
At a company like Wayfair it will be a blood bath as we aren’t profitable and engineering teams are considered a cost center.
Wayfair is famous for a low hiring bar and firing a lot of people . Easy come easy go
This comment is legit gold!!
It’s a really bad idea to join Wayfair if you’re afraid of getting fired. Last year they grew from just under 8k to about 12k employees. Best as I can figure from orientation class sizes they hired 6k (average of 120 for 50 weeks, mine was 160, but I’m accounting for some seasonality with my 120). This translates to a 25% turnover company wide. By policy they PIP or otherwise manage out everyone who gets a “1” on their performance review. Due to the forced curve this is 20% forced attrition. 5% turnover is low for some departments (engineering) and high for others (from what I understand based on blind posts marketing and call center folks like it here). Hopefully that helps you understand the likelihood of a PIP. PS oh and it’s a hyper political place, you can be performing fine but PIPd if you don’t kiss ass.
That 20% forced attrition means they most likely have what’s called a “partial plan termination” in their retirement plans and those employees should be 100% vested as a result. Make sure you get your money if your canned and threaten to call the DOL if they tell you otherwise.
You have to be there for a full year to vest, so you don’t get anything if you’re canned before that. Not sure what a “partial plan termination” is, could you explain?
Stay far away from Wayfair
Don't. Go. To. Wayfair.
Find out what differentiates the successful ones who gets promoted from those who don't. Constantly check in and make sure you are getting feedback on your weaknesses, from peers to your boss / skip level to stakeholders. PIPs occur only if you work in a vacuum. Find peers and stakeholders who will be willing to speak on your behalf.
Aka hyper political place to work, not a meritocracy at all
Few workplaces are truly meritocratic. Unfortunately, it's especially true with Wayfair's values and culture that it is much more political and much less merit based than most other organizations.
Wayfair data science doesn't do much PIP, but it's very common to be managed out. Some managers are excellent and will be interested in seeing you grow; however, quite a few managers are either inexperienced or shift blame of group underperformance down to their reports. I'd say be as conscious as possible about the quality of your manager, especially at performance review time.
100%