Amazon Pivot during COVID and options?

Amazon
IEwY65

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IEwY65
Apr 10, 2020 11 Comments

Just discovered this site recently and have been doing a lot of reading on similar situations. Apologies in advance for poor writing since I was just trying to get a lot of things out at once. Happy to clarify any questions.

Some context and background: Joined Amazon almost a year ago (in seattle, non-tech L6). Have been really unhappy in role due to manager and role scope change (very different than what was pitched to me during interviews and very different than my background and other work experience). Manager was not involved with hiring me and only joined the team after I started. I did some interviews a few months back with other teams that were hiring for roles I was way more excited about, and had two opportunities nailed down ready for transfer. That's when I brought up to my mgr that I wanted out because this role wasn't the right fit for me, and that he should expect hiring managers to reach out to him.

At that point he drops the bomb that I'm on Dev List/Coaching Plan (which I've come to find out is common after reading several other threads on here). We worked out a list of things to focus on over the next two months and he said we could talk about transfers once that was done. In hindsight, I wish I had found Blind at that point so I would have known dev list was just an eventual path to papering the termination.

Fast forward to about a month after that and we're all WFH due to COVID - drops the next bomb that he's putting me on pivot. I spoke to the career ambassador and thought the Pivot tasks seemed doable so I decided on the "Improve" option, especially since the leave option and improve ended up with the same severance amount after factoring in the additional month of pay and signon bonus for Improve (plus the minimal 1st year vest fwiw). Not sure if they factor in the signon bonus in the leave severance calc, but at least for me the two options were equal. Now I think it actually likely won't work out so I want to understand what options I have here. Few questions:

1- I have a lot of personal time accrued which I understand isn't paid out upon departure (only vacation time). Can I take that personal time now and it pauses the pivot while I'm out? Does the mgr need to approve the personal time request and do I need a reason? Not sure if he would think of me as blatantly trying to extend things out and just be a dick and say no.

2- Been reading into the FMLA option many have mentioned here. Given the anxiety and severe depression I've been experiencing over the past few weeks, I'm wondering if that's an option I should try to exercise since it's independent of the mgr. However, FMLA looks to be unpaid and requires 1 year tenure (will cross it soon), but ST disability doesn't -- anybody have experience with trying to use either those in the middle of Pivot? I can't seem to find a list of what qualifies for disability. Especially as they both appear to require approval by the disability and leave services team - what do they ask for, etc. my wife is also in early stages of what will be a difficult pregnancy if that makes a difference.

3- not really sure why my manager is so hell bent on gunning for me right now in the middle of all this craziness. our org is very impacted by COVID with urgent requests, leadership questions, etc and there's plenty of other stuff I could be doing to help, yet he's still going on with this pivot plan like nothing has changed. assuming we go through the entire pivot timetable and he ultimately fails me (I likely won't bother with appeal), how long after that point do i have?

#amazon #amazonpivot #pivot

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TOP 11 Comments
  • Amazon
    popgib

    Go to company page Amazon

    popgib
    Sorry to hear.
    Given the current job market situation, I'd try to survive and stay at Amazon.

    For that to happen, you need to regain trust from your boss through delivering results.

    No matter what you do, he has the upper hand, so forget about fairness, think about a plan to deliver what he wants.

    If he hasn't given you anything specific to deliver by X date, put it together yourself and talk about it in your 1:1 and follow up via email

    This is your contract. Accomplish and I guarantee you'll stay. Unless you messed up with something else (like talking on your boss' back) you will stay. Believe me. I'm a manager.
    Apr 10, 2020 2
    • Amazon
      IEwY65

      Go to company page Amazon

      IEwY65
      OP
      Yeah, agreed that it's not an ideal time to leave, especially since all the other major employers in the area that I've been looking at have majorly pared back their hiring for non-tech functions.

      I'm trying to work through the Pivot plan and am making conscious efforts to address the requirements spelled out by my mgr. We're generally having good dialogue and I have moments of optimism, but overall still not completely optimistic of a favorable outcome since some of the tasks involve extremely aggressive timelines.

      But yeah, lets see what happens as I make my way through the timeline. I'm low-key worried about what the job market looks like right now (and for the near future) but at the same time I'm thankful for having a supportive +1 with a solid job and we've banked good cash reserves. I know there are others who have it way worse right now so I need to try and not feel as shitty as I do
      Apr 21, 2020
    • New
      jkal1006

      New

      jkal1006
      @popgib are pivots retroactive? Friend received one friday - he has til this Friday to choose but a literally impossible deadline was today. His is only 2 weeks and depends on blockers outside his control - sales team etc. Can pivots be extended? And can they be overturned before they begin with good documentation - lots of information his manager put down isn’t true - very likely misunderstanding and miscommunication.
      Jan 11, 2021
  • New
    tPJS76

    New

    tPJS76
    Dealing with exactly this with my GF. Doing a ton of research and talking to other employees and even an L7 today. Her advice: leave. Some people get out of Pivot but for the most part you're fucked. I know this sucks. In my GF's case they lied about her performance (she has documentation to falsify their accusations. They don't care). The issue is stack ranking using this to manage out folks. Once you're in the system it's almost impossible to exit. Some do, but most don't. HR is likely in on it. Our experience with HR was miserable. Truly worthless. Here's the thing: it's not your fault. You can't let this get to your morale. People have attempted suicide over this. You have to realize that this is designed to get into your head. Don't let it. Good luck, I know this sucks a ton.
    Apr 19, 2020 1
    • Amazon
      IEwY65

      Go to company page Amazon

      IEwY65
      OP
      Yikes, definitely doesn't sound as bad as my situation but somewhat reassuring to hear I'm not alone in going through this during COVID. Too late to choose the leave option at this point. But regardless, the financial math worked out better for me to choose "Improve" and stay through end of Pivot + whatever transition time I get after the official Pivot end date (sounds like 1-2 weeks on avg)
      Apr 21, 2020
  • Amazon
    LifeGoals!

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    LifeGoals!
    Hi there. A month later, what’s your status and how you doing?

    I’m in similar situation right now. I’ve been at company in non tech role for 2+ years and next vest is August 15.

    I’m ready to take the severance and run. I’m relieved, actually. Have substantial savings but am single so no partner with income at this time,

    About to look into it, but curious if we will qualify for unemployment once out of company? I assume so, although I hear it’s a painful process right now and very delayed.
    May 10, 2020 0
  • Amazon
    SGTg55

    Go to company page Amazon

    SGTg55
    Following, I’m not even in focus yet but I think I’m about to be and wondering if I can take mental health leave since I am already having crippling anxiety about it and would rather have time to look for something else without fighting through the process
    Jun 19, 2020 1
  • New
    RHNe27

    New

    RHNe27
    What role / team are you in?
    Apr 10, 2020 1