After two years on the job, new boss says employee isn’t performing — advice pours in, many call it ‘gunny sacking’

An employee who says they worked nearly two years without a single issue was left blindsided after a sudden write-up from a new manager and the internet had plenty to say about it.

The worker shared their frustration online, explaining that in almost two years on the job, they had never been disciplined, warned, or told their performance was lacking. Their routine had stayed consistent. Their schedule hadn’t changed. Even upper leadership, they said, was familiar with how they worked. Then a new manager arrived.

Less than a month later, the employee was called into a meeting. The new manager, along with the company’s overseeing boss, sat them down and informed them their performance wasn’t meeting expectations. A write-up followed.


The employee says the most upsetting part wasn’t the criticism itself, it was the lack of prior communication.

“I was never told privately or at a separate time that I wasn’t supposed to be doing things a certain way,” they wrote. “Instead I just got a write up and no warning.”

What changed when the new manager arrived?

According to the post, nothing about the employee’s routine had shifted. They continued doing the job as they always had. The shock came from being told, suddenly and formally, that their work style was now a problem.

Many commenters pointed to a common workplace dynamic: when new managers step in, they often “reset” standards. Sometimes that means tightening processes or enforcing rules that may have been loosely applied before.

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But others saw something more concerning.

Several users described the situation as “being managed out” — a tactic where documentation and write-ups begin quietly building a case for termination. One commenter called it a sign the company may no longer want the employee there.

Another term surfaced repeatedly: “gunny sacking.” In workplace slang, it refers to supervisors storing up grievances without addressing them in real time — then unloading them all at once during formal discipline.

How did other people react?

The overwhelming advice was practical: start looking for another job — but don’t quit yet.

“Don’t quit this job until you find another job. Don’t tell your bosses or coworkers that you are looking,” one user advised. Others echoed that sentiment, warning that once formal documentation begins, termination can follow months later.

Some shared nearly identical experiences. A few said they were written up shortly after new management arrived and were eventually laid off. Others described new bosses flexing authority or targeting older employees.

However, not everyone jumped straight to worst-case conclusions.

One commenter — who identified as a manager — suggested first asking for clear expectations in writing and specific examples of what needs to change. If the standards continue shifting after that, they argued, it’s likely a cultural issue rather than a performance one.

Another asked a pointed question, why didn’t the employee challenge the claims during the meeting?

That question highlights something important, shock can silence people. The original poster admitted they were so stunned they struggled to respond in the moment.

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Is it time to move on?

The employee is now debating whether to start fresh elsewhere. For many commenters, the answer was yes — quietly prepare an exit plan.

But beneath the advice was a broader theme: employees don’t usually leave jobs. They leave managers.

A sudden write-up after two years of steady work can feel less like feedback and more like a warning shot. Whether it’s shifting standards or something deeper, the consensus was clear: document everything, clarify expectations, and keep your options open.


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FAQs

What is “gunny sacking” in the workplace?
It’s when a manager saves up complaints instead of addressing them immediately, then delivers them all at once during a formal review or write-up.

Should someone quit immediately after a write-up?
Most commenters advised against quitting without another job lined up. The common recommendation was to prepare an exit strategy while still employed.