4 Common Signs Youre Getting Fired From Your Job - The Muse

4 Common Signs Youre Getting Fired From Your Job - The Muse4 Common Signs Youre Getting Fired From Your JobI watched a family member get the clamps put on her this year by her anfhrer, who very clearly, wanted to show her the door. But, instead of managing it humanely (or sanely), this manager did what plenty of not-so-stellar companies do They turn up the burner under the parts rear end with the hopes shell just up and quit.It was so obvious what was happening that it wouldve been comedic- had it not been happening to one of my dear ones. I watched it all unfold from the sidelines- which was just heartbreaking to see- especially since I could do little. Ultimately, my family member quit, gaining her sanity and a much better boss in the process. But it was not good.Conversely, Ive counseled professionals who come in panicking over signs of impending doom. Yet, when we evaluate the situation carefully, we realize the things theyre stewing about arent likely blaring signs at all- at le ast not signs that the end is near for the employee. So, how do you determine if your job may be in jeopardy, or if youre maybe being a bit paranoid? While Im always a proponent of trusting your gut in situations like this, here are a few signs (and non-signs) to consider 1. Your Boss Starts Putting Everything in WritingWith my loved ones situation, the ramp up of putting everything in writing was nearly ridiculous. And it wasnt just that the boss suddenly began hyper-documenting everything, she also began cc-ing the universe on correspondence (including their client, when doing so was unnecessary and arguably damaging to the relationship).Few things scream, Im setting up a case for HR louder than sudden acceleration of email documentation. If youre dealing with this, be sure to create a paper trail. Because If HR is reviewing documentation, you want to ensure that your messages make you look like the professional that you are. (This is extra important if you think your boss is in t he wrong.) Oh, also consider freshening up your resume ASAP.Signs You Might Just Be ParanoidRecognize that some bosses simply use email as their main form of communication. Others are natural micromanagers, so they send frequent and detailed messages to make sure they keep a handle on everything. If youre not seeing a marked or obvious change in frequency or tone, it really might be nothing.2. You Get Removed From (or, Left Off) ProjectsOne day youre the key point person on a project, and then suddenly youre redeployed or replaced with either little explanation or, worse, direct explanation that youre not hacking it.When an employer starts reassigning your work to others without giving you a clear, understandable rationale, this could very well be a sign that the departments preparing for your departure.Consider asking (in a positive, constructive way) for specifics if youre being removed without explanation from assignments youd normally be involved with.Signs You Might Just Be Par anoidIt could be that your focus and attention is truly needed elsewhere, so the shift makes perfect sense. Maybe your boss or team needs you on a priority assignment, or your manager realizes youve got a lot going on, so shes compassionately trying to lighten your load on non-vital activities.Certainly, dont ignore your situation if you start getting pulled from projects, but do look at it from all angles to determine if its for sound reasons, or otherwise.FEELING LIKE YOU MIGHT LOSE YOUR JOB SUCKSBut the good news is that we know a ton of awesome companies hiring nowJust click here 3. Youre Put on a Performance Improvement PlanIts generally not an ideal thing if you get placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP). In most organizations, it means youre falling short to a point that your boss feels the situation needs to be formally documented, and turned around. And while it certainly may not be the end of the world- especially if your supervisors supportive through this period- being placed on a plan (and forced to sign off that you agree to it) could be a red flag.It isnt always easy to tell the difference between We really want to see you make it and We really hope you get so frustrated and demoralized that you quit, especially if your ego is bruised by the news. However, if youre feeling like the requirements of the plan stack the cards well against you, start considering an exit strategy. Signs You Might Just Be ParanoidNow, some companies use plans as an honest effort to reignite or redirect an employees performance, and they genuinely believe in the persons ability to recover. If you find yourself on a PIP, dont jump right to the assumption that youre being shoved out. Gauge the level of transparency and support comes with it. If the turnaround plans attainable, measurable, and forthright, it could be that everyone truly is rooting for you. (And now its up to you to mobilize.)4. People Start Acting Quiet or Weird Around YouOh, how Id like to say rum blings, gossip, and pre-sharing of information with your peers never goes on when an employer is preparing to terminate you. But sometimes it does- and it could result in whispery conversations in the break room or people acting strange or nervous every time youre in the vicinity.If co-workers or clients around you are suddenly acting a little bit weird, it might not be just you. It could be that they have advanced knowledge of what might go down, or be speculating from the sidelines.Signs You Might Just Be ParanoidAs hard as it may be to do, this the one sign Id put the least stock in, unless the behavioral changes among your colleagues or clients is just blaring. Why? Because people are people. We are emotional creatures with baggage and moods and outside things going on- relationship issues, family stressors, health issues, you name it. And sometimes unterstellung outside things come in to work with us and display themselves as different than normal behavior.Dont always assume it s you, but do pay close attention if theres a marked change among your peers.Getting fired really stinks. But ask anyone whos gone through the pre-firing stage- that part can stink even more because its just looming over you. Its almost always best to constructively and (to the extent you can) non-emotionally assess what youre dealing with, and then strategize accordingly.(And, if your boss really is trying to make your life so miserable that you crumble or quit? Trust that karma will do its thing down the road.)Photo of man at window courtesy of gradyreese/Getty Images.