u/Magic_hatty

I’m currently on an extended probation/PIP in a technical analyst role and I’m trying to handle it constructively.

The main issues are around accuracy, confidence/independence, and consistency of training/support. I’ve had some useful one-to-one support recently and I’m also trying to get more regular technical catch-ups in place. I’ve asked for clearer expectations and more explicit feedback on what I’m doing well versus what still needs improvement.

I’m documenting work completed, questions asked, support received, feedback, and corrections. I’m also trying to avoid overreacting to every small mistake and just make sure I learn from them.

For anyone who has been in a similar situation:

What kind of documentation was actually useful?

Did regular 1:1 support help?

How did you show improvement without sounding defensive or over-explaining?

Were there any warning signs that the process had become more about managing you out than helping you improve?

Did you involve HR early, or only if the process/support broke down?

I’m especially interested in experiences from technical/data/analyst roles where some mistakes are part of learning but accuracy still matters.

I’m not looking for legal advice — more practical experience from people who’ve been through probation/PIP successfully or unsuccessfully.

I’m hoping someone with similar skin might recognise what I’m describing because I’m getting increasingly frustrated trying different products!

I have oily/combination skin and sebaceous filaments around my nose. The oiliness itself isn't new, but lately I've also had some congestion around my nose.

My bigger problem is how skincare feels on my face during the day. After a few hours I often get an uncomfortable feeling as though there is a layer of “stuff” sitting on my skin. It isn't just that I can see some shine – my face actually feels wrong/uncomfortable and I want to wipe it. Using charcoal blotting sheets makes it feel much better immediately.

I've recently started keeping a diary to work out what's happening.

For example, today I tried Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ on its own after rinsing with water:

Slightly tacky 5–10 minutes after application

By 11am my skin had the familiar uncomfortable surface feeling and I used 3 charcoal sheets

By 1pm I needed another 2 sheets

I've previously had variations of the same problem with CeraVe AM SPF30, Beauty of Joseon SPF and various moisturiser/SPF combinations. Some have also left me feeling tight despite being oily.

Oddly, my skin often feels much more comfortable after my evening routine, which includes double cleansing, The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence, moisturiser and azelaic acid. I've also previously used The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA in the mornings, so simply adding a hydrating serum hasn't solved the daytime issue.

I'm considering paying for a professional skin consultation because I'm tired of repeatedly buying another moisturiser/SPF only to discover another slightly different version of the same problem.

Has anyone else with oily/combo skin experienced this uncomfortable product/sebum film or build-up sensation?

If so, did you ever work out what caused it? Was it particular types of formulations/ingredients, your skin barrier, simply high sebum production, or something else?

I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has actually experienced this, or who has found a dermatologist/skin professional in the UK who was good at investigating this sort of problem rather than simply selling treatments/products.