7 warning signs that you’re about to get fired

This is kind of a touchy subject. After all, nobody wants to admit to themselves that they are about to get the ax at work.

But, let’s be honest: People get fired all the time, and very often, it’s not exactly a surprise. Yes, surprises do happen. However, getting canned at work often comes after a variety of warning signs that it’s about to happen.

After working a 14-year career in information technology, I’ve seen a lot of these signs. While I was never fired, I noticed many of these warnings right before my coworkers got canned.

In other words, it’s a good bet that you’ll see it coming.

How do you know that you’re about to get fired?

Here are seven common signs that you should probably get your resume updated as quickly as possible.

1: Your performance review didn’t go so well

This is probably the clearest sign that your employer is not happy with your level of performance in the office. While a single bad performance review may not be enough to fire you, multiple less-than-stellar performance reviews could mean that your days at your employer are numbered.

2: You’re put on a “Performance Improvement Plan”

Here’s a little secret: These PIPs, or Performance Improvement Plans, are very often a company’s way of covering their butts before they fire you. In other words, many times they have already made up their mind to fire you. They put you on a Performance Improvement Plan to make it tougher to be sued for discrimination or harassment because they gave you a chance to improve.

3: You’re no longer invited to meetings that you used to attend

If you suddenly find yourself at your desk more often instead of in meetings that you used to attend, this could be a sign that your boss or team no longer values your involvement. Keep a close eye on what your coworkers are doing in the office. If they all seem busy while you are sitting there twiddling your thumbs (or are given “grunt work”), then it might be time to start looking for job opportunities elsewhere. After all, even if you’re not about to get fired, you won’t improve your skills and experience by doing nothing at the office.

4: Your boss has asked you (and only you) to provide status updates

Nobody likes sending their boss status updates. After all, they take time away from getting your job done. But if your boss has asked you for frequent status updates (ie: every day or every week), then it could be an indication that he or she doesn’t trust your work or time-management skills. Note that this is especially true if you are the only one who is being asked for updates.

5: You are being micromanaged by your boss

Like status updates, if you find yourself suddenly being micro managed by your boss, this could also be a sign that he or she doesn’t trust you. Note that some managers micromanage by nature, and this isn’t necessarily an indication that you are about to be fired. However, if your boss has suddenly taken a newfound interest in everything that you’re doing (but not in a good way), it could be a bad sign.

6: Your employer is asking you to take time off

If your employer wants you to take some vacation, it could be an indication that they are preparing to fire you. And by taking your vacation time before it happens, they won’t be forced to pay out any unused vacation hours upon your departure from the company. Note that this could also be an indication that your employer is struggling financially, which means you may not be the only person fired or laid off. If you’re concerned that you were asked to take a vacation, don’t hesitate to address these concerns with your boss.

7: Your boss has pushed you away

Did you have a great relationship with your boss that has turned sour? If your boss is suddenly no longer associating with you in the office, there is a problem. Sometimes the problem is obvious (ie: an argument or a difference of opinion on an important project or problem). But other times, your boss may change their tune about you without any apparently reason. If this has happened, it could mean that you’re no longer in favor inside the organization.

In conclusion, while there isn’t always a warning sign that you’re about to be fired, that tends to be the exception rather than the rule. Most of the time you can see it coming, and knowing these signs will keep you ahead of the game.