A former Amazon program manager who left the company after being placed on a performance improvement plan has secured a new role by leveraging his personal network, highlighting a shift in job market dynamics. Nicholas Jenkins, 40, accepted a termination package from the e-commerce giant in December 2024 and began working as a market research analyst at a Houston credit union consulting firm in August 2025.

Jenkins started at Amazon in 2020. His role seemed secure until a 2024 reorganisation placed him under new management. Initial conversations about his performance, including his proficiency with SQL, began around August 2024, which he felt evaluated him on standards outside his role's scope. He was formally placed on Amazon's "focus" performance improvement programme (PIP) around October 2024.

The Strategic Exit

Faced with the PIP, Jenkins decided his priority was to leave. "At that point, I was like, I've got to get out of here. This is too stressful," he told Business Insider. He was offered a severance package but chose to continue with the PIP process to allow time for his Amazon stock to vest, avoiding leaving money on the table. He ultimately accepted the package and left the company in December 2024.

Upon departure, Jenkins initially believed finding new employment would be straightforward, based on past experience. However, he encountered a much tougher job market than anticipated. "It seemed like companies were queuing up talent but were hesitant to actually hire," he said. Over five months, he had several phone screenings, including one with TikTok, but received no offers.

The 'Final Mile' Networking Strategy

Recognising the need for a new approach, Jenkins developed what he called a "final mile strategy" to transition from interviews to a job offer. His first step was moving from Seattle back to his hometown of Houston, Texas, in July 2025 to access his robust local network. He also upgraded his wardrobe to suit Houston's more formal business environment and began attending job fairs and networking events.

A conversation at one event with a friend who worked at a credit union proved serendipitous. About a month later, his mother, a dental assistant, mentioned him to a client who owned a local credit union consulting firm. The knowledge Jenkins gained from his earlier conversation allowed him to speak intelligently about the industry during a meeting with the firm's owner, who subsequently offered him a job.

Advice for a Changed Market

Jenkins started his new position in August 2025, roughly seven months after leaving Amazon. He advises other job seekers to pivot their focus. "My advice for other job seekers is to focus less on job applications and more on your personal networks," he stated. "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 when contacted by Business Insider.