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Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

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Re: Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

#461

Post by Jaruzel »

hn_temp_10_1_19 wrote: post #262

I just walked from a job after a week and a half. Applied and interviewed for a junior full stack java/angular developer position. Really excited for it. Got and accepted an offer just to show up day one to a weird point & click/drag & drop visual programming thing called BluePrism. Tried to make myself like it, but couldn't stick it out. Moved 800 miles for that job too, just to get bait & switched.

Never heard of BluePrism, so had to Google it: https://www.blueprism.com/why-blue-prism/

Looks like a Visio type application that churns out code automagically, a bit like Scratch[1] for Grown-Ups.

--

[1] https://scratch.mit.edu/

Re: Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

#462

Post by crististm »

halfer53 wrote: post #430
dav1app wrote: post #403

On my last job, a new manager called me for a meeting on Friday 4PM. I spent the whole month on an extremely stressful project. The meeting was about an app that integrates credit card payments, billets and bank account on a terminal that is going to be available to the general public. The deadline? 11PM of the same day. Final version. From 0 to 100% in 6 hours. I said that it was impossible. He said that I was incap…

This is one of the reason I hate about PIP( performance improvement program). They set ridiculous goals for you in very short amount of time that nobody can possibly complete, then fire you on grounds of incompetence. A friend of mine who works in Facebook told me that an employee committed suicide due to the pressure of PIP. I suspect that guy was put into PIP due to poor rating (meet most), then was given a ridicul…

My manager's manager told us publicly that whoever sets the goal must also do the work.

Practically he implied that we don't have to agree to any objectives that are imposed on us.

Re: Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

#463

Post by LifeLiverTransp »

bloopernova wrote: post #218
rjplatte wrote: post #100

I'm the sole developer working on my current project, which is overhauling a massive DOS era application, as well as overhauling an early 2000s era CRM/business management tool, that almost all of our work happens through. Did I mention that the DOS application is a HIPAA billing application that must meet all HIPAA guidelines as well as write EDI X12 billing files? I'm very junior, been coding for ~5 years, 3 profes…

You do know that HIPAA violations can land you in jail, right? Run. Don't walk. Vacate immediately. Leave. I'm finding myself hoping that this is a fake, because I wouldn't wish this situation on anyone at all.

They always use the entry levels for illegal shit-burning jobs. Have been at several factorys, where middle management asked for a slight change to the security software on the safety plc- of course only informal- we are all friends here. If you do that, you are liabel, if anything happens. Do not do jobs, where you do not have email communications about the job.

Re: Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

#465

Post by crististm »

rjplatte wrote: post #100

I'm the sole developer working on my current project, which is overhauling a massive DOS era application, as well as overhauling an early 2000s era CRM/business management tool, that almost all of our work happens through. Did I mention that the DOS application is a HIPAA billing application that must meet all HIPAA guidelines as well as write EDI X12 billing files? I'm very junior, been coding for ~5 years, 3 profes…

My suggestion if you need one is to make a lateral movement and offload your problem to your CEO. Go hunt for another job.

Re: Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

#466

Post by marcus_holmes »

virgilp wrote: post #440
halfer53 wrote: post #430

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is one of the reason I hate about PIP( performance improvement program). They set ridiculous goals for you in very short amount of time that nobody can possibly complete, then fire you on grounds of incompetence. A friend of mine who works in Facebook told me that an employee committed suicide due to the pressure of PIP. I suspect that guy was put into PIP due to poor rating (meet most), then was given a ridicul…

It's a sad story; but PIP is really the pink slip; you take it as an advance notice that you're going to be fired, and start looking for jobs. I've heard stories of people completing PIP programs successfully, but quite honestly, I don't get it. Once you got to that point, you're not a good fit to the team and/or they don't appreciate you. Makes no sense to stay. I could understand staying with the company & switchin…

As a manager, can confirm. By the time you get to this point you are being "managed out". There is a basic expectation that you will either leave (preferable) or be fired at the end of the PIP process.

I've heard of people coming back from it, but it's rare. And I think it would need to be the trigger for some kind of personal epiphany that completely changed behaviour for that kind of effect.

Re: Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

#467

Post by crististm »

rjplatte wrote: post #103
reificator wrote: post #102

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> working on non-version-controlled code, having been expressly forbidden from using ANY VC by the CEO I've been there. Run.

I'm studying hard, but learning new stuff while learning other new stuff is hard.

This is called rationalizing. Get out. Strategically, not on a whim. Hunt for another job.

Re: Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

#468

Post by silveroriole »

honkycat wrote: post #431

I hate all of my jobs. Computer programming just doesn't seem worth it for 100-120k. I could work an easier job for a better money/bullshit ratio. My therapist is concerned. So am I. What if I don't fit in anywhere? I'm extremely sensitive with a high EQ, am an INTP. People really like me, and I make fast friends and can run a room extremely effectively. I've always been "the funny guy." I'm absurdly driven A-type an…

What are the easier jobs with a better pay ratio? Programming (at least as an IC) is already really easy/rote most of the time...

Re: Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

#469

Post by breakerbox »

throwaway58129 wrote: post #64

I didn't know this format was a thing and am so very excited to discover it. I hope you folks enjoy reading horror stories. I got a job as a Software Engineer in my current company 4.5 years ago; friend-of-a-friend sort of thing. The company had an apparently disastrous piece of software that was their main LOB. They had gone through pretty much every local consulting agency - at least once, on a few occasions they h…

This post should make many people on HN feel confident that they can run a company that does millions in revenue. As long as you aren’t doing favors for family and buddy’s, you too can run a small tech business and make millions.

Re: Ask HN: Who Wants to Be Fired?

#470

Post by NickNameNick »

brongondwana wrote: post #301
house9-2 wrote: post #207

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> working on non-version-controlled code, having been expressly forbidden from using ANY VC by the CEO Version Control is a basic requirement of professional software development in this day and age. You could try explaining to your CEO it would be like telling a carpenter they can't use a hammer to build your new house. Or just take the initiative and use Version Control without telling them. In my mind it isn't som…

Apparently (according to a carpenter friend) - if the carpenter uses a hammer on a modern build it means something has gone wrong - they're normally using nailguns or similar to put things together - hammers are to bash them back apart again or knock them into alignment if they weren't done right the first time.

I've done some work as a builders labourer. Admittedly ~18 years ago.

Nail Guns are awesome. Pneumatic, butane/battery and powder actuated all have their place and were heavily used. Always had a hammer on my belt though.

In particular, it's hard to use a nail gun to fasten a plate, hanger or bracket.

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