UGH! this can really send shivers through your system...It may even make you think of giving up...

I will tell you that in most cases...supervisors are just trying to get the behaviour that you have either shown back to its level or correct something early on so it is not a problem...

I agree that you need to document things just in case...

Was the performance talk done in writting or just orally? Do you have a clear picture of what your supervisor wants from you to improve the performance in his eyes?

Knowing your longevity I think this can be resolved. There is so much more to say about this topic...I will have to get back to you on it...I have been supervising people for about 15 years...so there are a lot of things we can do to help...but I'll need specifics details of the performance issues...PM me if you prefer not to post them...

Regarding the spacey...immediately call your doctor and let him know that meds (if med related) is affecting your ability to work...If the spacey is do to something else...let me know...concentrating for a long periord of time...Here you are going to really need to schedule using a calendar with a reward system...work on x project y hours...then I get Blank...remember things...you are going to need to find a way to write absolutely everything down...This is one I have lots of issues with...Do you have a good planner like FranklinCovey's stuff

Document everything, but I would not suggest talking to a lawyer or HR...if your performance has declined they will most likely have cause...wait on HR unless the performance issues from supervisor are way off base...based on your description...I'm guessing they are not...

You can come out of this with a very positive outcome and work your way back up into say the top 3 "guys"...