Work slump? Need some advice from the pros

[Fantasy GM]

I currently work at a large company at an entry-level position. We undergo a 6-month trial where a small group of superiors determine our ultimate fate. Most days, I take part i projects. For each of these projects, I am given an evaluation (for the day) by the project supervisor.

Right now, I am 4 months in (out of 6). For the first 3 1/2 months, I was receiving fantastic reviews and told my work for my level was excellent. Unfortunately, that's where I enter what I hope is only a mini-slump. Of about the 30 "projects" I have worked on, I have received only 5 not-really-good reviews. Problem is, 4 of the 5 have been over the last half a month (the other review in this 4-out of-5 span, from a real higher-up, said I was on the right track, so that was good).

Of these 4 "not as good" reviews, 3 aren't too bad in my opinion:
-On one, a co-worker who I needed to briefly cover for me completely dropped the ball (he had a big brain fart). I still got the blame because it's my responsibility.
-The 2nd one involved my supervisor nit-picking more than anything else, my evaluators were overly concerned despite these not being "real problems" (their words). He basically didn't acknowledge my good work on the project, but went on about how I was too talkative for him.
-The 3rd one I could have done a better job on, but felt I was a victim of circumstance. There was a shift-change with two co-workers, which slowed up the process (supervisor said I took longer than usual to complete). Before the shift-change, that co-worker appeared confused while the replacement helped finish the project very quickly. The supervisor did acknowledge that the project was unusually hard, but he expects success each time, I work well with this guy.
-The 4th one was a mess, we all rushed and people weren't on the same page. My supervisor told me I still "passed" in his books and he expects me to still be here after my 6 months, but the report from that day scared my evaluators.

My supervisor told me I did a good job on today's project, so I am hoping that report comes off as my normal work. The good report I received during the slump, as mentioned before, was from a higher-up whose opinion matters more. However, because the recent reviews, for the most part, are different that what I normally receive, I am concerned. Mistakes in the first 6 months weigh more because it's do-or-die for us; after that, there is no "die."

My question is...at work, how do you get out of a slump? I am known to be a very hard worker who my supervisors have said is, "Talented enough to be retained" and some of their critiques are for, "after I get retained." Unfortunately, I can't mention that to my evaluators without coming off as an arrogant s***. The talent hasn't gone away and neither has the work ethic. I understand standards become higher the longer I am there. In fact, I have become solid enough in every other facet of my job that my evaluators, "Already consider me set on those and don't need any other reviews for those areas." If you are a boss/superior, how do you weigh one week against several months? I feel like I went from Jose Bautista to Dan Uggla.

**FWIW, I was told by a higher-up no one gets 100% good reports (he sees all of them that come in, he is not an evaluator of mine). I started out on a torrid, tough to sustain hot streak, now the average seems to be dropping a little.

[AussieDodger]

Take a week off

[Fantasy GM]

Take a week off

I have a week off in 3 weeks. At this company, we have to schedule our vacation days well in advance. Getting a chance to relax a bit definitely wouldn't hurt. Unfortunately, the next three weeks are crucial to my perception when it comes to getting retained; my evaluators have thrown a number of projects my way (we find out the specifics on the day of).

[AussieDodger]

At this company, we have to schedule our vacation days well in advance.

1. Call in sick on Friday
2. "Magically" recover over the weekend
3. ?????
4. Profit

I have done this before, it's called a Mental Health Day™

[wrveres]

hes fighting for his job, and you are tellng him to call in sick?

[AussieDodger]

hes fighting for his job, and you are tellng him to call in sick?

It's better to invest in a three day weekend and have a complete brain reset, then work through like a hero and perhaps cost yourself the prize by making uncharacteristic errors.

[jfg]

This is an entry level position? That's way too much stress for entry level. I can see being at a higher level and making good money and being constantly worried if you'll have a job in 6 months, but this is pretty ridiculous. Maybe you're just worrying a little too much?

[Dan Lambskin]

My question is...at work, how do you get out of a slump?

try taking on a really fat project

[Fantasy GM]

This is an entry level position? That's way too much stress for entry level. I can see being at a higher level and making good money and being constantly worried if you'll have a job in 6 months, but this is pretty ridiculous. Maybe you're just worrying a little too much?

Perhaps, but here is the basic parameter of the situation:
-For the first 6 months, I am considered full-time, but not permanent
-At 6 months, a group of evaluators determine my fate. If I am retained, I am permanent. If not, then I am unemployed.
-Therefore, any "not good" reports weigh more heavily during your first 6 months than at any other point.
-We receive written assessments at 2 (good) and 4 (should receive any day) months.

[ayebatter]

Dude you're 'hitting' about .865 for 3 1/2 months, no one hits .1000, keep up the good work !!