Make Money Jobs & Careers

8 Sneaky Signs That Your Boss Really Wants to Fire You

From changes in how feedback is delivered to decreasing workload, here are eight subtle signs your boss may be planning to let you go.

By Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore

Edited by Ellen Cannon

Updated Sept. 30, 2024

Everyone wants to feel like they're making money moves, and nothing is more disappointing than getting fired.

But whether your boss just has something against you or your company is going through some changes, there are subtle signs you should watch out for that mean your job might be at risk.

If any of these things are happening in the office, be aware of what could be heading your way.

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Constructive feedback stops

When your boss is invested in you and expects you to advance in the company, they will likely give you constructive feedback often.

Feedback can help you improve your skillset and make you a more attractive candidate for promotion opportunities in the future.

If you feel your boss is not invested in you or has changed their attitude toward you, it may be a sign the company is considering letting you go.

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You haven't received a raise

Raises keep employees happy, engaged, and appreciated for hard work. While the process works differently from company to company — some may have yearly reviews before offering employees raises, for example — if your pay for your position has been stagnant for years, and there is no talk of advancing, this could mean you are on the way out.

There could be many other reasons you haven't gotten a raise, however. If the company has had a rough quarter or year, raises across the board may be suspended for a time.

Your boss has become distant

If your boss no longer interacts with you as much, that may be a sign they're planning to get rid of you — or would even prefer you quit.

They may be avoiding conversations, leaving you out of meetings, or being unusually scarce around the office. This could be to avoid awkward feelings due to an impending firing.

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You are left out of meetings or email chains

If you're suddenly left out of important meetings or email chains, this could be another indicator that management is looking to get rid of you soon — especially if colleagues have not been hit with similar changes.

Career experts warn that your boss may be attempting to put some distance between you and the company if they start leaving you out of important communications.

If this starts happening then you should not only start looking for a job but also prepare yourself financially in case it actually happens.

Someone with the same skills was hired

If someone with a very similar skill set is brought in — and there's no indication that the company is expanding and would need the extra hands — that could be a sign that management is trying out someone new for your role.

However, a new hire isn't always a bad thing. It could just mean your company is planning to expand your department.

If you are nervous about a new hire, check out these ways to eliminate financial stress, and take this time of uncertainty to add to your savings and cut excess spending.

You haven't been given new projects

If you're on the outs at work, management isn't likely to get you started on any new big projects. You may have noticed that your workload has decreased or your boss is handing work they'd normally give to you to other colleagues.

If you're worried about changes to your workload, consider asking your boss if there are any new projects you can pick up or help out with.

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A new boss is hired

If new management is brought in, that could be an indicator that things are being shaken up at the company. Often when a new boss takes over or a company is bought by or merges with another, layoffs are on the horizon.

This doesn't mean that you specifically are being targeted but it can be an indicator of big changes throughout the company.

Your boss lets mistakes slide

If you've noticed your boss has stopped giving you constructive feedback, or even ignores mistakes, it may be an indicator that they don't plan to have you around much longer.

Part of the boss's job is to ensure employees do their jobs correctly, and that sometimes means pointing out and correcting issues.

If your mistakes suddenly start getting passes, it could mean the boss has decided to replace you and feels it's no longer worth the effort.

Bottom line

While all of these signs, or a combination of them, could mean that your boss is planning to get rid of you, there are plenty of other reasons that could explain these changes.

If you feel insecure in your job, it's a good idea to start preparing financially just in case you do find yourself out of work for a time. This could include looking into picking up some gigs for extra cash on the side.

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