Think I'm about to be sacked - Should I quit first?

[popgoesthewee]

I've been with my company for 11 months and have my annual review in 2 weeks and have an awful feeling they're going to let me go so wondering whether I'd be better off handing in my notice now.

I hate the job, I hate my boss, I'm not performing particularly well (it's a sales role so target driven) and therefore not earning anywhere near as much as I expected, the hours are hideous and I'm already at that stage in the weekend where I'm dreading Monday morning . I have been very close to quitting on a number of occasions BUT need the money & don't know what else to do. Of course they may not sack me but I'm well aware it's a lot easier now than when I've been there for the full year and honestly if I were them, I would.
WWYD in my situation?

What makes you think you're going to be sacked? If I were you I'd find something else before quitting.

Is it still the case if you quit you won't be able to claim benefits? Might be better to wait for them to let you go if so.

Just to add, I was in a sales role that I wasn't great at. I never felt like I'd be fired but I didn't enjoy it at all so I asked to be moved to a different line. Couldn't make as much in bonuses for sales but it suited me a lot better so I did that while I lined something else up.

Underperformance mainly added to the fact that I really don't get on with my boss. I am actively jobhunting as I certainly don't intend on staying there long term but at a bit of a loss as to what to do as I really want to get out of the industry.

Well if you resign your reference (assuming you need and get one) will say you resigned rather than being sacked. If the meeting goes as badly as you expect you could then offer to resign, they would probably prefer that.
On the other hand as someone else said if you are hoping to claim benefits resigning would affect this

If it is making you that miserable I would be looking for something else. I don’t think I would quit, but I would be prepared to be let go. Have they offered any support to improve your performance?

@LetterOfTheLawFella I don't plan on claiming benefits it's more the fear of not having income if I can't find something else quickly and the shame of being sacked

They can dismiss you at any point up to 2 years, so it may not be that they're going to jump now.

The real issue is why you are under performing. Have you had the right training and support? Are your targets realistic? Is the product/service desirable?

I'd personally go in swinging, but that's what I do when I think something is unfair.

Look for something else before quitting, most firms won't give a reason for leaving in references, just confirm the dates.

You have nothing to gain by quitting and could easily loose out.

@TSSDNCOP i'm underperforming because I just lack the drive and passion, I don't believe in the product & find the whole company ethos tiresome. It's a very sales driven company with daily sales meetings, weekly targets and those that are successful seem to live, eat & breathe work which I might have done 20 years ago, but just hate it now. This is my first job after a 10 year career break and I think I've just lost the thrill of the chase.

This:
You need The Fear

@SweetBabyCheeses99 that's brilliant and really resonates - my DH was just saying the other day a new job isn't in a land on my doorstep and in all honesty, when I say I'm actively looking, I've not really done much other than through a couple of online sites .

@Magenta82

Look for something else before quitting, most firms won't give a reason for leaving in references, just confirm the dates.

You have nothing to gain by quitting and could easily loose out.

@Magenta82

Would the company not be within their right to mention that Op has failed their annual review/probation period (if this were to happen)?

Well if you can't fake it OP, haul ass.

I think DWP are still recruiting.

Hi OP, I'm sorry you're in this situation. I was made redundant at the start of Covid. In a panic accepted a role I wasn't particularly excited by and took a 1/3 hit on salary but due to the timing I was grateful to have a job. As time went on I really started to hate it, dreaded Mondays and even broke down in tears at home. The business wasn't performing, my boss blamed me, and disagreed with every suggestion I made, putting me down in front of colleagues regularly and ruined my self esteem. I started looking for another role. I was a couple of weeks away from 12months when my boss rang to let me know if was being made redundant.... anyway thankfully I was in the process of applying for a dream job, wasn't sure I'd be successful but three interviews later I landed it. Almost double the pay and I'm really happy although it's long hours and lots of responsibility. I'm not sure what the best advice is but sometimes these things happen for a reason and I really hope you find something you love quickly. Put your bad experience behind you and look ahead to what the future holds. There is a talent shortage at the moment so lots of opportunities and you will always perform better in a role you love in a supportive environment.

12 months is not a thing any more. It’s two years now.

Just thought I would update for those that kindly posted and for anyone else in a similar situation:
I quit my job 2 days before my review. I spent a week panicking I'd made a huge mistake & would struggle to find another job or would end up grabbing the first thing that came along and finding myself in the same situation but thankfully it all worked out and I've just started a new job working for an amazing company hybrid wfh so hours are much more flexible and family friendly and in an industry I'm passionate about and as far removed from hard sales as you can get. If in doubt, make the leap - I would never have known about this job if I was still employed

Good show. Every cloud etc.

I did just that. I was shocking in sales and I knew it. I hated it, hated my boss and I knew they'd get rid of me so I quit so now I just put that I left for another role on my CV not that I got fired! If you're sure they'll let you go or try to... 100% quit - I'm so glad I did that as my CV remains perfect!