Ask HN: What should I say to my manager when my performance starts suffering?

This is essentially what I do, and I enjoy it! I like my work to be a bit boring so that I can save my energy and creativity for things outside of work. I convert designs into functional websites. Somebody recently likened my job to being a construction worker or general contractor. Maybe 2-3 times a year I get something challenging, and I either jump at the chance to learn something new (if it’s something interesting or for a client I like) or I dread it (if the documentation is unclear or the client is exceptionally difficult).

I can reassure the person if they want, but they have to tell me they need reassurance before, or I have to at least detect they're uncomfortable. I'm not gonna go to every employee and say "ok just so you know, I'm not thinking about firing you". That's even weirder!

Also make sure to qualify this with actual examples of underperformance:

“In March you gave a three-week estimate for roadmap item X, but it wasn’t completed until June. Amy from team Y reached out to me several times with questions about its status, so communication hasn’t been up to your usual standard.”

If the manager doesn’t give the report something concrete to reflect on, they will only create more vague angst and frustration that will accelerate that person’s exit plans.

A job is a means to an end -- nothing more. If you are one of the lucky few that truly enjoy their 9-5 then count your blessings. For the rest of us, we cannot rely on our career to live a fulfilling life. Depression and mental health are not to be taken lightly and often lead to declining work performance. Accept that a job is just that -- a job. Encourage your colleagues who may be down in the dumps to stimulate their spirits outside of work and hopefully the rest will follow.

I have never given an estimate that was not later called into question and asked to be reduced. Usually much sooner in fact.

In many cases, asking for an estimate is fishing for a way to make the problem easier to solve. But they don't really want to make the problem easier to solve, they just want to get it done quicker (with no regard for whether or not it makes the next problem harder to get this problem done the quicker way.)

Really nobody is thinking this hard about it though, it's basically the "quarterly earnings report" problem. If we don't look good this quarter, then there's not much hope for next quarter, since we already told the boss this one would be done this quarter, and have started talking about what they'll want next quarter, though we're not ready to talk with you about that because they could change their mind at any time, so "93 days" sounds absolutely perfect, as you'll be ready for more soul crushing just in time for next quarter.