9 Signs You May Be About To Lose Your Job

YOU’RE OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE OF TRUST

Was there a time, not so very long ago, when you were in on the office gossip? You knew who’d forgotten to submit what project and who was sleeping with which new administrative assistant. Be aware of how frequently, or infrequently, you’re in or out of the loop with your colleagues and your superiors. If it’s reached the point where important job tidbits are passing you by it may be time to take a long hard look at when, and how, you’ve fallen out of the “circle of trust.” Work to re-establish those relationships because anyone outside of the circle is steps away from being outside on the pavement.

INCREASED MICO-MANAGEMENT

A sure sign that things are on the decline is if you’re assigned a project wherein your boss requires documented tracking of your progress. As you advance in your career, the idea is to become more autonomous not less. Knowing that your boss doesn’t trust you to perform unless he or she is breathing down your neck is a clear warning that the quality of your work has left much to be desired. While keeping your boss informed, be sure you understand their expectations and take steps to exceed them at every turn.

“TAKE A VACATION”

This is not the after-working-overtime-until-3-in-the-morning-for-two-weeks sort of reward your boss offers you when she encourages you to “take a vacation.” Rather this is the implied “you haven’t been living up to your job description and are looking pretty expendable right now” phrasing. You don’t ever want to hear your boss insist you need time off when you’re trying to show the importance of what you bring to the table. If you’ve already reached the level where those three words have crossed your boss’ lips then be sure to hit the ground running as soon as you are back in the office. Let her know that you’re feeling refreshed and that your mind is back in the game.

NO, NO, AND MORE NO

Is your work being criticized more and more? The implication is that nothing you do seems to be right. After making sure that the constant criticism isn’t all in your head look at the facts: Is the work you’re submitting constantly being returned with disappointing messages and lots of red ink? You have likely turned into a problem in the eyes of your supervisors, someone in need of repeated correcting. While everyone will occasionally get red marks, you’ll want to balance them with positive comments about your work. Another cause for worry is if your boss has taken to shooting your ideas down.

KEEPING IT LIGHT

You might not want to believe that less on your plate is a bad thing, but it’s true. Once your boss has made up their mind regarding your employment they’ll likely begin handing off projects to your peers. If you keep getting tedious tasks rather than meaningful work, something is wrong…very wrong. Take steps to talk to your boss. Ask if you can contribute to more impactful projects. Be clear about your willingness to put in the extra effort and that you’re open to any and all feedback. Once you’ve secured the “Yes,” you so desperately need, knock the project out of the park!

NEW BLOOD IN THE WATER

What you don’t want is to arrive at work one day and find that some hotshot MBA has replaced half the department. Even worse is: The new, brilliant MBA is adored by your boss and everyone in management. This can’t possibly be a good sign.

First up, establish a warm relationship with the new office Golden Boy/Girl in order to keep yourself within the loop and on your boss’ good side. Next, stay on top of your projects keeping your superiors from formulating any reason to doubt you.

BANISHED

The flow of information is critical for you to do your job. If you’re no longer invited to meetings or aren’t receiving team emails it says you’re no longer essential. When you do attend meetings you may notice that your boss is interrupting you mid-sentence or ignoring the points you’re trying to make. Knowing that your boss isn’t interesting in giving you airtime or promoting your ideas or agenda is a clear red flag. Whether you speak a lot or a little in meetings you always want your words to have value. Having fluid communication with your supervisors and colleagues is one way to ensure you remain top-of-mind for upcoming projects and assignments.

SET UP TO BE KNOCKED DOWN

One tactic management uses to safely terminate an employee is setting them up to fail. Suddenly you’re receiving the worst assignments or one’s with impossible deadlines. When you fail to jump through the flaming hoops, there are write-ups and warnings with your name on it. Management continues to pile up the documentation until it only makes sense to fire you. After all, who would employ someone who has a trail of paperwork showing how ineffectual they have been. The only way to combat management’s plan may be to call attention to the improbability of success with the projects, manage their expectations of what you will be able to accomplish, and keep them aware of each step you do fulfill.

PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING

Every company has a corporate culture you need to fit into, whether or not you really mean it. If your boss sees you as someone who stands out or runs contrary to the corporate atmosphere you’ll become that much more of a liability. Being a team player means being wiling to travel when needed, attending the necessary conferences, and enthusiastically cheering that company slogan. The more people commenting on your lack of teamwork or your missing company spirit, the greater the chances that you’ll soon be out the door. Play the part and keep off your boss’ radar for a negative attitude sure to leave a bad taste in his mouth.