This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nicholas Jenkins, a market research analyst in his 40s who lives in Texas. He previously worked as a program manager at Amazon until leaving the company in December 2024 after being placed on a performance improvement plan. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
I started working for Amazon in 2020.
Beginning in 2022, it felt like there was a shift within the company, and some experimental projects were deprioritized. Layoffs and reorganizations also picked up during this period, creating an organizational crunch.
My role as a program manager based in Seattle still seemed pretty secure. However, I thought I could eventually be impacted if layoffs continued.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that something other than layoffs would put my job at risk.
When I was put on a PIP, the writing was on the wall
In 2024, I landed under new management through a reorganization. It didn’t feel like a great fit, but I wasn’t too concerned. I thought my work was critical and that, for the most part, the quality spoke for itself. I was even angling for a promotion.
Around August 2024, there were some initial conversations about my performance, including my proficiency with the programming language SQL. I felt I was being evaluated on standards outside the scope of my role. Despite how I felt, the writing was on the wall.
Around October, I was formally placed on Amazon’s “focus” performance improvement program (PIP).
At that point, I was like, I’ve got to get out of here. This is too stressful.
Read more about people who’ve found themselves at a corporate crossroads
I viewed my departure from Amazon as a win
I was eventually offered a termination package that included a couple of months’ worth of severance pay. Rather than taking it right away, I decided to carry on with the PIP process so I could buy time until my stock vested. Leaving sooner would’ve meant leaving money on the table.
Then, in December, I accepted the package and left.
While I hadn’t landed a promotion, I’d been there long enough for my stock to vest. This was a win.
When I parted ways with Amazon, I was under the impression that I would just roll into a new job. In the past, it felt like all I had to do was apply for a role, and I’d get it.
However, I underestimated how tough the job market would be. I didn’t get nearly the same traction I had in the past, and it seemed like companies were queuing up talent but were hesitant to actually hire.
I had roughly two to three phone screenings a month — including one with TikTok after a recruiter reached out to me — but I couldn’t land an offer.
I developed a ‘final mile strategy’ to land an offer
After struggling to find work for about five months, I realized I needed what I called a “final mile strategy” to help me land not just interviews, but also an offer. In the current market, it’s key to build relationships and have that inside track to a job.
My first step in executing this strategy was moving from Seattle back to my hometown of Houston in July 2025. I had a robust network there, which I hoped would give me an advantage.
Next, I upgraded my wardrobe and bought a few new suits because Seattle was a more casual environment than Houston.
I started attending job fairs and networking events. At one event, I spoke with a friend who worked at a credit union in Houston. The conversation helped me learn about credit unions, which came in handy about a month later, when I finally had a breakthrough.
My advice: shake hands and kiss babies
My mom is a dental assistant in the Houston area, and one of her practice’s clients is the owner of a local credit union consulting firm. My mom mentioned me to the owner, who suggested we talk.
My previous conversation with my friend helped me speak intelligently about the industry during my meeting with the owner, who later offered me a market research analyst job.
About seven months after leaving Amazon, I landed a new job, which I started in August 2025. Over time, I feel I’ve been able to showcase my abilities and forge my own path within the company.
My advice for other job seekers is to focus less on job applications and more on your personal networks. You need to get out there, shake hands, kiss babies, and cultivate relationships to build your next opportunity.
Editor’s note: Representatives for Amazon declined to comment.
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