I began working at this place in June 2013. Had a steady relationship with the employer for at least a year. So much so that the supervisor, indirect supervisors, and a senior colleague provided B-School recommendations which I'm very thankful for.
Around late fall of last year the supervisor found some performance issues, and gave me a performance feedback. Worked on the feedback and had the next review during February of this year; this time things went way worse, and I was marked "performance below expectations." During the meeting I let the supervisor know that I'm not the right fit for this position, and I would like to start looking for other jobs; he was fine with it.
I started the interviews around that time, however, I didn't land any position yet. I kept regularly taking time-off for interviews which caused excessive absence.
Consequently, this past Friday I was handed the dreadful Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). The document says "Attendance will be monitored over the next 90 days," and the firm wants to see "Improved accuracy and independence over the next 30 days." My supervisor gave me enough time searching for jobs, and I'm not in a position again to keep taking time-off for interviews. Salary is not that high where I work, so I have to look around.
I have some interviews lined up and am positive I will have something under my belt in these two months; contract work is fine too. Have some emergency savings too so no need to worry about bills for a few months.
At this time, I would like to resign when the PIP clock starts ticking this week. This is much better than getting fired and burn the bridges. I need my supervisor and a senior colleague for recommendation, and especially the supervisor for B-School recommendation.
What's your take - resign or wait to get fired?