Feeling like you’re about to lose your job can feel like a gut punch and sometimes like it’s the end of the world. I promise you it’s not. While it may sting in the moment, it could also be a blessing in disguise. After coaching hundreds of professionals, I’ve found a common pattern… most people refuse to leave or put themselves out there because they have become too comfortable. While it’s great to master a job, you can also stunt your growth, possibly stop performing as amazingly as you used to, and close yourself off from new opportunities. Sometimes getting fired serves as that push you needed all along. Now, to be clear… I don’t want you to get fired or caught off guard, that’s why in this article, I’m going to break down the top signs you’re getting fired.
After learning about these signs you’re getting fired, you can take one of two actions. You can address it head on with your supervisor or develop an exit plan so that you can leave on your terms. My goal is to help you feel empowered and in charge of your career, even in the most challenging times. As an ex leader, I have a lot of experience (unfortunately) with letting people go. Although every workplace looks different, there are many signs that overlap between industries. I’m going to share the most common ones with you, but before I dive in, I want to cover the top 3 questions I get from professionals about getting fired.
Can You Be Fired Without Knowing?
As an ex-manager and employee who has watched others get fired, I struggle with the idea that “someone doesn’t know.” There’s always signs, and the key is to avoid having your head buried in the sand or becoming so comfortable that you develop a mindset of, “oh I’m untouchable.”
Now I will admit there is a trend that’s known as “quiet firing”, where employers make subtle changes that push employees out, such as reducing work hours, excluding them from important meetings, or creating a hostile work environment. In other cases, the signs might be there, but they’re easy to overlook—especially if you’re busy trying to meet performance expectations or handling significant changes within the company.
However, even if you feel blindsided, most terminations aren’t random. If you’ve noticed red flags like negative feedback or sudden changes in how you’re treated, these could be early warnings. Paying attention to these telltale signs can help you take proactive steps to secure your job security or plan your next move.
How Do You Tell if You Are Getting Fired?
Identifying whether you’re about to lose your current job isn’t always straightforward, but again, there are common signs to watch for. Many times, it starts with subtle shifts in the company culture or the way your supervisor interacts with you. Performance feedback, especially when overly critical or vague, can be an early indicator.
Other danger signs include being excluded from important projects, sudden budget cuts, or hearing phrases like, “We’re going in a new direction.” If these things are happening alongside changes in your work environment, it’s worth asking yourself whether these are warning signals of something bigger.
What Is a Warning Before Getting Fired?
Warnings come in many forms, and they’re not always as clear as receiving a pink slip or being called into HR for a formal meeting. Some early warning signs include being placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP), receiving negative performance reviews, or being given impossible tasks.
Even subtle changes, like a cold shoulder from colleagues or your supervisor suddenly minimizing communication, can be a bad sign. Often, these warnings are part of a larger paper trail created by your employer to justify their decision. If you sense something is off, don’t ignore your gut feeling (always trust your gut)—it’s often your best indicator that action is needed.
10 Signs You’re Getting Fired
1. Your Supervisor Puts You on a Performance Improvement Plan
This is #1 because it is your clearest and biggest indicated that there’s a major problem on the horizon. If you haven’t heard of this before, let me tell you all about it. A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a formal document outlining how you’re expected to improve your employees’ performance within a set timeframe. While it’s framed as an opportunity, it’s often a clear sign that your job is at risk. Employers use PIPs to create a paper trail before terminating an employee. If you’re placed on one, it’s a good idea to ask for detailed performance feedback, clarify expectations, and document your progress.
Pro-tip: If you get assigned a PIP, I recommend you start developing a paper trail of your own. Keep track of when you meet your deadlines and thoroughly document the “why” behind the times you don’t. Make sure to also save kudos and any positives feedback that you receive (down the line you can use these as references for your next role).
2. Your Supervisor Increases Communication with You
As much as we say “I wish they’d communicate more with me” ironically, more communication isn’t always a good thing. If your manager suddenly starts checking in more frequently or micromanaging your work, it might be because they’re monitoring your quality of work more closely. This increased scrutiny can feel uncomfortable, especially if it’s coupled with negative feedback or constant reminders about performance issues.
3. You Are Given More Deadlines Than Normal
Suddenly being overloaded with new projects and tight deadlines can be a form of testing. Depending on the angle of your supervisor, this could either be due to prove that you constantly miss deadlines. Or this might even be an attempt to set you up for failure, especially if the deadlines are unreasonable or the tasks feel unrelated to your usual role. If this happens, clarify priorities with your direct reports and ensure you’re putting in your best effort to meet expectations.
4. Your Supervisor Minimizes Communication with You
We talked about overcommunicating, but what if the communication decreases altogether? Yes, this is another red flag, because less work and reduced communication can signal that you’re being sidelined. When supervisors stop including you in important meetings or avoid providing feedback, it can indicate that they’re planning your exit. This often happens when supervisors are non-confrontational or passive-aggressive. If this happens, do your best to maintain professionalism and seek opportunities to re-establish good rapport with your team.
Pro-tip: If you’re not afraid to call it out, open up the floor for conversation. You can say something along the lines of, “I’ve noticed we haven’t connected lately, I want to make sure I’m still meeting expectations for my role, can we meet to discuss?” Pay attention to the response you receive because it will either provide confirmation that you’re on the chopping block or open the doors to new opportunities while allowing you to address misconceptions or misunderstandings.
5. Your Colleagues Start to Distance Themselves from You
If your team members suddenly seem distant or avoid discussing new hires, company updates, or important projects with you, this could be a red flag. Often, colleagues sense organizational changes before they’re formally announced and may distance themselves to avoid awkwardness or becoming the next person targeted.
On the other hand, if you notice that your colleagues start to ask you more about your career goals or they begin detailing “what if” scenarios when talking to you, it could be a sign that they’ve been provided information regarding your standing with the company.
6. You’re Getting Less Work
You know that joke, “show them how much talent you have and you’ll get rewarded with more work?” It’s true and a sign that a company plans on keeping you for the long haul! That being said, having your workload reduced, especially if you’re not involved in key tasks or important projects, is a telltale sign. This is often referred to as “quiet firing” and can make you feel undervalued. If you notice this, focus on keeping your LinkedIn profile updated and start exploring new job opportunities.
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7. You’re Not Included in Important Meetings Anymore
Being excluded from meetings, particularly ones that involve your projects, direct reports, or areas you’ve traditionally managed, can be a bad sign. This may indicate that your role is being restructured or phased out. Do not be afraid to ask your supervisor for clarity if this happens.
8. You’re Asked to Train Your Colleagues on Your Core Responsibilities
This is another one of those that may seem like no big deal, but if the goal of training others hasn’t been shared, then it’s definitely a reason to be worried. If you’re suddenly tasked with training team members on your daily tasks, it could mean your employer is preparing for your exit. While this might feel like the end of the world, use this time to reflect on your strengths and consider whether it’s time to move on.
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9. Your Supervisor Is Trying to Learn Your Job
Think about it… why would your manager want to learn your job? The reality is, most managers want to trust their employees to do their jobs. Afterall, they have enough on their own plate. When your manager begins asking detailed questions about your day-to-day tasks, it’s a clear sign they’re preparing someone else to step into your role. Be proactive and document your responsibilities to stay ahead of potential changes.
10. You Don’t Feel Included Anymore
This is the worst. Ask yourself, “do I feel like a part of them team?” A lack of inclusion is more than just a gut feeling—it’s often a valid reason to consider whether your current job aligns with your goals. Reflect on whether this shift is tied to larger organizational changes or a sign to explore other opportunities.
Let Me Support You
If any of these signs feel familiar, don’t panic. Instead, take proactive steps to regain control of your career. As a career and leadership coach, I specialize in helping professionals navigate tough transitions, secure new positions, and build resilient personal brands that stand out. My Branding Blueprint Guide is the perfect resource to help you optimize your LinkedIn profile, attract opportunities, and position yourself for success. Together, we can create a strategy that works for your best interest—so you’re not just surviving but thriving in your career. Book a coaching session today, and let’s get started!
Conclusion
Getting fired isn’t the end of the world, but ignoring the early warning signs can leave you unprepared. Pay attention to subtle signs, trust your gut feeling, and don’t wait for the pink slip to take action. Whether you’re aiming to secure your current job or land a better position, investing in your personal brand and career strategy can make all the difference. Start today with the Branding Blueprint Guide or schedule a coaching session—I’m here to help you take charge of your future.
