Is Your Job In Jeopardy?

 

 

You walk into the salesroom, other salespeople stop talking or change the subject and some stare at the ceiling as you walk by. They do everything but look at you. Uh oh, watch out, your job may be in jeopardy. Here are a few signs to watch for if you’re wondering if you’ll be in the unemployment line.

 

1. Your workload is much lighter: If your workload is noticeably reduced, there could be cause for worry. A lesser workload can mean reduced business and less need for you. Or if tasks that usually are assigned to you are being assigned to someone else then your job may be in the process of being eliminated. If you are “promoted” to a new job that no one else wants, watch out!

 

2. A consultant shows up: A consultant is an outside person bought in to determine where to make the cuts and who to cut. If they’re hanging around your desk a little too often, asking way too many questions, be worried. You may want to review your resume so you're ready if you're let go.

 

3. A new manager: A new manager is more likely to bring his own people with him. He knows what his people can do and how he works with them. He has no idea what you’re capable of doing and may not want to take the time to find out. New management always has new ideas and sometimes that means cutbacks and layoffs.

 

4. You’re not in the loop: If decisions are being made about your work activities or projects without your knowledge or input, you have a problem. If you knew what the company was doing business related before and now all you see are tumbleweeds blowing down your hall, there’s trouble.

 

5. They want documentation--of everything: If you’re going to be let go and someone else is reassigned your projects, they need to know exactly the status of your work. They may want to get a better idea of what procedures you use to complete your work when passing it to someone else. Worse yet, is having to train someone and then finding out they are your replacement!

 

6. Did you recently screw up? I mean a big time, lost money, lost client screw up. If people are avoiding you or no one is stopping in to chat, you’re just biding your time. Co-workers tend to avoid people on their way out. What about your last performance review? If it was mostly negative with very little praise, start looking for a new job.

 

7. Has your working area been downsized? Employees on their way out can be moved around to the smaller offices and cubicles. After all, you aren’t going to matter shortly so why does it matter where they put you?

 

These are just a few red flags to watch out for. It’s better to be informed and prepared, then standing in the unemployment line, reeling from shock and wondering what happened. If you do see any of these signs, take heed and act accordingly.

 

Comments, as always, are welcome and appreciated.

 

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

 

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She has three poems in The Writing Village and an article in The Marbler News. She also does freelances work for Beyond and for Salesheads. More of her blogs can be found at Salesheads blog.