If you're starting to feel like you have a target on your back and your place to work has suddenly become an unpleasant place to be, it could be a sign your boss wants you to quit. Spending some time analyzing the situation and asking yourself a few questions can help you decide if there's more to it than meets the eye or if you're just being paranoid.
A Loss of What You Value
If your boss demotes you by taking away job responsibilities, favorite projects, your job title or pay, it's a good sign he wants you to quit. Your boss knows what you value and what you find most important about your job, and if he decides to take that away without reasonable justification, he is most likely hoping you'll head for the door. Companies may have to restructure, especially if they're experiencing economic hardship. In times like those, it's understandable for your boss to make some changes. But if things are going well and your boss suddenly decides to take away your best projects and refuses to talk about future assignments, it's most likely that he wants you to quit.
You Become Invisible
Another sign your boss wants you to quit is when you become invisible. Is your boss avoiding you? Does he take forever to reply to your emails or messages? Does he put off scheduling one-on-one time with you or avoid your calls altogether? If he's always been a bit flighty or disorganized, you might be able to attribute his behavior to some other cause, but if you had a close relationship that suddenly became nonexistent, almost overnight, there might be some cause for alarm.
Your boss may also want you to quit if he hides your successes from his superiors, or he probably takes credit for the good work you do. He might say he forgot to send you an important email or tell you about company meetings, when really, he left you out on purpose. If this happens often and seems intentional, it might be time to get a little concerned. If you feel comfortable talking to your boss, ask him if there is anything going on that you should know about, and see if he'll give you feedback about your job performance. If you still can't get anywhere and the situation doesn't improve, you may want to begin the search for another job where you'll be more appreciated.
If you're doing a great job and your boss wants you to quit, it might be because you're a powerhouse at work and he's intimidated by you. Instead of letting his negative behavior get you down, continue to be the very best employee you can be, and if things don't improve, find a company that values your worth.
Photo courtesy of iosphere at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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