8 Signs You're About to be Fired

By Monster Contributor

By Mark Swartz
Monster Contributing Writer

As a career coach, I often meet people right after they’ve been terminated. Shock is the most common reaction they express.

“I never saw it coming,” they say. Oh, they may admit to having sensed trouble. But then denial kicked in, and soon it was too late.

From my years of experience – as both an advisor to employees who’ve been downsized, and as one who’s been axed more than once – I know most people see the clouds darkening well in advance. Here are 8 signals that your job is likely in jeopardy.

1. You aren’t achieving adequate results

Sales, production, quality and profit levels are constantly being measured. Your own contribution to the company’s success must meet the standards set for you. If not, don’t be surprised if they start looking for a replacement.

Watch your back all the more if you’ve recently received a bad performance review. Same goes if you’ve been disciplined. Either of these puts a big red target on your back.

2. The company or division isn’t doing well

Unfortunately, even if you’re performing above average, there’s a bigger picture involved. The division you work in, or the company that employs you, may be going through a rough period. One ready way to cut costs is to downsize the workforce.

3. Your boss doesn’t like you

Regardless of your performance (or that of the company), it’s a problem if the boss dislikes you. I’ve seen top employees turfed because they couldn’t get along with their supervisor. Your contributions may not protect you.

I found this out the hard way once when my boss stopped talking to me for two months. It was actually a relief: we were always at odds. Of course he no longer had my back, and ditched me at the first chance.

4. You lose your voice

Be alert if you are asked to join fewer meetings, or your opinion no longer carries much weight. These are signs your value to the employer is decreasing. They could be removing you from the inner loop before giving you the heave-ho.

5. There are fewer projects for you

A clear signal that your future is limited? Everyone around you is busy, but you have less to do than before. Don’t fret if it’s just a temporary lull. Except once things continue like this for a while, your job isn’t seen as important. So why should they keep paying you?

6. You’re denied a transfer, raise or promotion – with no explanation

Upwards and onwards is the way of a workplace. If you’re a solid performer with a proven track record, you should be rewarded. If not, your employer at least owes you an explanation. When none is forthcoming, expect the worst. They’re just not that into you anymore.

7. A merger or takeover is in the works

Nerves are the norm when your company is taken over. Mergers and acquisitions almost always produce redundancies. Will your counterpart in the acquiring firm get to keep their job, or will you be the lucky one? It may not take long to find out.

8. You’ve been asked to create a job description for your position

When a company is in financial trouble, eliminating salaries is always a possibility. Yet the company will need to prepare for when you’re gone. One way they do that is by pushing for precise, updated job descriptions from everyone. The company has to know exactly what you do. That way they can split your duties among surviving staff if required.

Avoidance makes things worse

Shutting your eyes to troubling signs doesn’t make them go away. If anything, warning signals give you a chance to turn things around.

They also provide you with time to plan your departure if all else fails. For example, should you quit, or negotiate your departure? Meanwhile you could try to arrange for a decent severance package.

Don't be caught waiting for the ax to fall. Be alert and notice the hints. You’ll be better positioned to go and seek the job you really want!