Unmistakable Signs You May Be Next on the Chopping Block

When you suddenly develop a constant fear of getting fired, your suspicions are probably right. Company leaders who are determined to fire you create one obstacle after another to send a clear message. You are no longer welcome, and it's only a matter of time before you're out the door. Whether you clashed with co-workers or had a change of leadership, stay alert to these common signs you're getting fired soon.

1. Your Biggest Projects Were Reassigned

When the higher-ups want a smooth transition, moving your core responsibilities to other employees is the best way to keep operations under control. The company may even have your replacement lined up. Accept that it's time for a new job search if you get vague answers whenever you bring up your disappearing workload.

2. You're Given Impossible Challenges

Being moved to another department without an explanation is a red flag that you're getting fired. Once you're out of your element, the boss can bury you with excessive busywork, set impossible deadlines and wait for you to fail or quit.

3. You're Out of the Loop

Just like a grade school clique, your bosses start freezing you out of important communications. You stop getting invited to meetings, and your manager undermines your attempts to speak one-on-one. Make no mistake, the company leaders want you to feel cut off from everyone else so you get frustrated enough to make a wrong move.

4. Nothing You Do Is Good Enough

Employers who genuinely want to help workers improve are happy to offer feedback and guidance. That's why it's safe to assume you're getting fired when company leaders are negative and hypercritical, no matter how much you try to please them. Slapping you with write-ups and bad performance reviews is an easy way to protect the company from backlash once you're fired.

5. Your Actions Are Constantly Audited

Duties you were once free to perform on your own suddenly require authorization from a superior. Maybe, your manager is double-checking all your work or looking for inconsistencies in expense reports. When bosses no longer trust you, constant auditing helps them restrict the flow of information and find opportunities to reprimand you. Not to mention, making you feel powerless is an effective way to get you to resign.

6. You Became a Pariah Overnight

Now that you have a target on your back, other co-workers are keeping their distance. Some don't want to fall out of favor by association, while others find it awkward to interact with you once it's glaringly obvious you're getting fired soon.

Although getting fired can be a confidence killer, it's pointless to mourn a job that went sour long before you moved on. Reflect on what you learned, and leverage every skill you have to launch a successful job search. If you're still counting down to your inevitable dismissal, reach out to your network to find companies where your unique personality and skills are welcome.

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