Warning Signs of Being Fired
With typical human resources practices and company policies, it is difficult to be fired these days without certain actions or clues leading up to the termination. Your supervisor or another employee in a management role will likely do or say subtle or even obvious things that provide clues about your eminent firing. Pay attention and be forewarned.
Other People Are Reading
-
Documentation
-
Although many employers have probationary periods for employees, or even policies that they can terminate someone for any reason, documentation is typical. Your boss might call you into her office to discuss an event, issue or incident with you and then have paperwork for you to sign. Perhaps you have a phone call with your supervisor and it is followed up by a memo or an e-mail. Usually, memos, e-mails, letters, poor performance reviews or action plans are signs that your performance at work is being monitored or is considered unsatisfactory.
Limited Information
-
If you feel like you are the last to know about new policies, company changes or staff additions, then you might be on your way out. It is human nature to avoid people and limit communication when you know something that they do not. Your supervisor may avoid you or cut back on sharing information when you are going to be let go. Being left off a meeting request or moved to another office are also signs that things are not going well.
-
Impossible Tasks
-
When someone is going to be terminated, they are often given impossible tasks that cannot be completed on time or without further direction. You might be asked to do something that you know is out of the ordinary for your job description as if you are being set up to "get into trouble." On the other hand, you could get "busy work," as if you will not be around long enough to have any impact. You might be given tasks that no one else wants to do.
Not Getting Along with Others
-
Those about to be terminated often feel like they are a fish out of water. Perhaps they do not share company values or get along with coworkers. Often, you are not compatible with teammates or with your supervisor. Unsettling conversations with others or a sense that you just are not well liked could be warning signs of termination. Voicing your disapproval of policies, ideas or tasks does not go over well in many companies.
Everyone Watches You
-
Every move you make is being watched by someone or reported back to your department. If your boss gives you no autonomy at all and even small tasks must be approved by someone else, this is not a good sign for your continued employment.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
