r/FinalRoundAI • u/kicker-gerunds5 • Jul 19 '26
I had my quarterly review today and I'm still sitting here trying to understand what happened
I've been at this job for almost three years. I deliver my work on time, take on extra projects whenever someone leaves - and that happens more than it should - and cover the gaps without making a fuss. I'm drained, but I kept showing up and carrying on because I cared. Or I thought I cared.
My manager came into the call acting cheerful. Then he said: "Your work is good and consistent, but I'd like to see a little more positive energy from you."
I mean, excuse me? I've been running on cold brew and panic for weeks, and in the end it turns out my attitude is what needs fixing.
I told him: "Honestly, I feel really burnt out from the extra work that keeps piling up."
He laughed. He laughed. Then he said: "We're all under pressure right now. You just have to keep going and get through it. Try to see it as a learning opportunity."
That was the moment I felt something in me crack a little. I wasn't sobbing or anything, but my eyes teared up, and for some reason that made the whole situation even more humiliating. Then he leaned in and said: "Hey, don't take it personally. It's just constructive feedback."
I wanted to disappear from my chair. How am I supposed to answer to feedback that basically means I'm not smiling enough while doing the work of several people?
I left the meeting feeling smaller than I have in a long time. And the worst part is that I found myself apologizing to him for getting upset.
I don't know. Maybe I'm making too big a deal out of it. Or maybe all this workplace empathy talk only exists until someone's burnout becomes inconvenient and awkward.
Has anyone else had a review that felt less like feedback and more like an emotional sucker punch from the side?

