Signs you might be getting fired fall into three key categories: performance, misconduct (or other non-performance-related issues), and external reasons outside your control. The most common signs that you’ll be terminated by your company include sudden changes in responsibilities, drastic reduction in workload, employers unbothered by your mistakes, being set up to fail, and exclusion from important meetings. 

The news of getting fired is a sudden shock to many, yet, the signs were there all along. 

Strangely, it’s easier to spot those warning signs in others, but when it’s happening to you, it’s much harder to see it coming.

Sometimes, even a small change in your work routine might trigger fears that your job is at risk. 

While some changes might be valid concerns, it’s also possible that you’re overthinking the situation.

This article clarifies all the top signs that you’re the one getting fired, including how to respond when you notice those signs and what to do to prevent getting fired in the first place. 

Top 18 Warning Signs That You’re Getting Fired

Here are the most common signs you’re getting fired: 

• Unexpectedly harsh or frequently negative performance reviews
• Being placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP)
• Increased micromanagement and scrutiny 
• Everything you’re doing is now being documented
• Less work to do compared to your colleagues
• Employers don’t seem to be as bothered with your mistakes or performance
• You violated a company policy
• Exclusion from meetings and projects 
• Communication has become more minimal 
• Colleagues seem more distant and awkward 
• HR (or your boss) want to meet with you more often
• You don’t really care about your job 
• Sudden changes in tasks and responsibilities
• You’re assigned with seemingly impossible tasks
• The company seeks out to hire someone for your exact job position
• Key leadership players are “leaving”
• Your access to certain resources has been limited
• Company finances change

These are all signs that happen due to one of the following factors: performance-related issues, misconduct (or other non-performance-related issues), and company-related reasons beyond your control. 

Signs You’re Getting Fired Because of Your Work Performance

Performance-related issues mean that you’re not meeting the company’s expectations. This involves falling short of specific goals, failing to show improvement, and struggling to keep up with the company’s standards.

These are the signs that your performance is leading toward termination:

1. Unexpectedly harsh or frequently negative performance reviews 

Perhaps you’re receiving more negative feedback than you ever have before, and it’s beginning to become a common occurrence. Your managers might also no longer acknowledge your efforts or past achievements. 

If so, it’s possible that your company is losing trust in your ability to perform. All those formal performance reviews could be a way to create a record of your shortcomings to validate your termination. 

2. Being placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP)

Unfortunately, being put on a PIP is rarely a good sign. Based on a highly rated answer on Workplace Stack Exchange, it’s typically the “last step before dismissal.”

The purpose of performance improvement plans (PIPs) is to help companies address underperforming employees. If you’re placed on one, it’s a strong sign that you’re on the verge of termination, since it means you’re not meeting the goals and expectations set by your manager.

3. Increased micromanagement and scrutiny 

You’re going about your tasks as usual, but then your manager starts hovering over your work, giving feedback on every minor detail and asking for constant updates.

It’s frustrating, and you’re not the only one who thinks so. According to a survey conducted by Trinity Solutions and cited by Forbes, more than 70% of employees claimed that micromanagement hurt their morale and job performance.

Having your work checked every other second makes it feel like you’ll never get anything done. If this is a scenario that’s all too common for you, then it may suggest that your manager has lost confidence in your ability to work independently and is closely monitoring your performance as a result.

4. Everything you’re doing is now being documented

Your manager might suddenly ask you to document everything you’re doing, or perhaps every task, mistake, and interaction is already being logged. This could be a sign that your company is building a paper trail in preparation for your departure.

However, the situation could be different if your manager is new. 

In a Reddit thread discussing new managers requesting documentation, one user pointed out that while excessive documentation can be a red flag, it could also just mean the new leadership is trying to get organized.

5. Less work to do compared to your colleagues

You might already be doing a great job, but still feel like you’re not doing enough. If your company is financially stable, stocks are solid, you’re getting good reviews, and there are no issues at work, then there’s no need to worry.

On the other hand, if you’re in the opposite situation—your company is struggling, and you have noticeably more free time and less work compared to your colleagues—I’d be a little concerned. 

This could be a quiet way of phasing you out. By gradually decreasing your responsibilities, the company might be redistributing your workload to others to prepare for your transition, as mentioned in discussions about reduced workloads on Reddit:

6. Employers don’t seem to be as bothered with your mistakes or performance

Making noticeable mistakes, yet no one seems to care? 

I’d love to say that it’s because your team is chill, except the reality is that management may have already decided to let you go. When this decision has been made, your employers will stop investing in your improvement and instead focus on preparing for your exit. 

Signs You’re Getting Fired Because of Misconduct or Other Non-Performance-Related Issues

Harassment and discrimination are unacceptable, and these are fireable offenses. That said, more than 50% of workers have seen or gone through harassment in a corporate environment, according to HR Acuity.

Being fired for misconduct or other non-performance-related reasons stems from behavior that violates company policies or disrupts the workplace. This happens due to inappropriate actions, conflicts with colleagues, or a general breakdown in trust. 

These are some common signs that you’re being let go because of misconduct or other non-performance-related issues: 

1. You violated a company policy

Violating a company policy means breaking a rule clearly established by your employer. Common examples include:

• Sharing confidential information 
• Continuing to show up late despite the warnings you’ve received
• Engaging in inappropriate behavior in the workplace

If you've broken a company policy, it’s usually a valid reason for termination. But this doesn’t mean your career is over. 

Use this experience as a chance to learn and grow. Acknowledge your actions, take responsibility, and show genuine effort to improve. Although consequences may be unavoidable, you can always rebuild your professional reputation.

2. Exclusion from meetings and projects 

No longer receiving calendar invites for meetings you used to attend? Being left out of projects you’d normally be involved in is a clear red flag.

These situations can arise when:

• Your involvement hinders productivity or morale due to past behavior.
• Management is making tough decisions about letting go of certain employees.

Alternatively, there could be a more innocent explanation—perhaps the meeting genuinely doesn’t concern you, and your team is just respecting your time.

3. Communication has become more minimal 

In many cases, minimal communication simply means your team is busy.

However, it could be a sign of quiet firing—a subtle approach companies use to encourage employees to leave on their own.

Little to no communication with leadership and colleagues may indicate that you’re being isolated. Although this can be the result of disciplinary action, it can also happen when the company is restructuring and looking to reduce overheads. 

4. Colleagues seem more distant and awkward 

Does something smell fishy, in the sense that coworkers are avoiding you or acting strangely around you? It could just be one of those days, but it might also be that they know something you don’t.

In other words, your colleagues could be aware that you’re on the list of employees being fired. This can create tension and a tint of awkwardness, making it harder for them to interact with you as they normally would.

5. HR (or your boss) want to meet with you more often

Your actions could be under scrutiny, but there’s also a chance that they’re working on building a case for your termination. The purpose of these meetings might be to keep a close eye on your performance or discuss concerns about your behavior. 

6. You don’t really care about your job 

Getting fired could be the last thing on your mind, especially when you hate your job. In this situation, you’re likely only doing the bare minimum—and, believe it or not, it usually shows. 

Your managers will know who’s engaged and performing well versus who’s disengaged and underperforming. Those who fall into the latter category are the ones with a higher likelihood of getting fired. 

Signs You’re Getting Fired Because of External Reasons Beyond Your Control

There are times when being laid off or fired has nothing to do with your performance and behavior. A bad economy, for instance, may lead to company restructuring and budget cuts, which can then result in employees being put in vulnerable positions. 

These are the signs that you’re being fired because of company-related reasons outside your control:

1. Sudden changes in tasks and responsibilities

Abrupt changes in your tasks typically suggest that your current role might no longer fit the company’s future plans. Or, maybe you’re being assigned less impactful work and your usual daily responsibilities are being handed off to others. 

It could mean that the company is reshuffling roles, or, preparing for your exit. 

2. You’re assigned with seemingly impossible tasks

This one’s awful, but it happens. 

There are nightmare stories of management setting employees up to fail as a way to quietly push them out. A few common causes for this include internal restructuring or when a company is trying to downsize without directly firing staff. 

Here’s an example scenario shared by one Reddit user: 

If you’ve ever been given way more tasks than usual or faced unrealistic deadlines and expectations, I’d begin preparing to find a new role. These are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.

3. The company seeks out to hire someone for your exact job position

If you find out the company has put out a job description for your exact job position with the same responsibilities while you’re still employed, it could mean that they’re looking to replace you. 

In some cases, this may be a sign of internal restructuring. The company might not be looking to replace you, and could simply be seeking new skills or fresh talent to meet changing business needs. 

Either way, it’s a sign worth paying attention to and possibly having a conversation with your manager.

4. Key leadership players are “leaving”

A red flag is when key leadership in your department starts leaving one after another. If important managers, leaders, and workers in your organization are quitting, it could point to underlying issues like financial instability or internal struggles.

One common reason good employees leave is a lack of career advancement opportunities. In fact, a survey from Pew Research Center discovered that a lack of growth and development was one of the top reasons U.S. workers quit their jobs. 

Find yourself in a similar position? It could indicate that the company isn’t in a position to provide those opportunities. But of course, it could also be a case of employees leaving for personal reasons that have nothing to do with the company’s stability.

5. Your access to certain resources has been limited

Limited use of tools, software, or other resources that help you do your work may signal company-wide budget cuts or resource reallocation. 

Although it may not always hint that someone’s getting fired, it’s often a precursor to larger organizational changes that could lead to termination. 

6. Company finances change

Big tech companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft had millions in earnings (EBITDA) for each staff member they let go, according to an article on business.com. 

In other words, profitability won’t necessarily prevent employees from being terminated. Even if some companies are performing well financially, they may still let employees go to reduce costs and overheads. 

On the flip side, terminating employees could become urgent when a company’s finances or broader economy falters. Major budget cuts can follow, and leadership will do what they can to keep the business afloat, even if it means letting go of valuable workers. 

With all that in mind, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your company’s stock performance and financial health to spot potential red flags.

If You’ve Noticed Any of These Signs, Here’s How to Respond

Take these steps as soon as you can when you notice any of the signs that you could be getting fired:

• Ask for feedback. Speak with your manager to discuss your performance and ask for specific feedback. Find out if you’re meeting expectations and where you’re falling short. After getting direction, commit to addressing issues directly and make it clear that you’re willing to improve. 
• Document everything. Your managers aren’t the only ones who can document your work. Keep a record of your communication with managers, tasks, performance reviews, and any changes in your workload, expectations, or responsibilities. This gives you evidence to lean back on to defend yourself if things escalate. 
• Seek out new opportunities. If the signs are becoming overwhelmingly clearer, prepare to seek out new opportunities. Begin by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, then start taking note of job openings you’re interested in. 
• Prepare financially. It’s smart to start saving and reviewing your budget. This will greatly reduce stress in case you need to make an immediate transition. 

Following these steps will help put you in control of the situation. Instead of waiting to be blindsided, be proactive to get ahead of whatever comes next. 

How to Prevent Getting Fired in the First Place

Here’s what you should do to make sure you won’t notice any of the signs of getting fired:

• Live up to the company’s standards. First and foremost, make sure you’re meeting all the company’s expectations. This can prevent most potential issues from arising. Be punctual, address skills gaps, complete projects on time and within budget, and so forth.
• Communicate with your manager. Regularly check in with your boss about your performance and goals. Open communication helps ensure you’re on the same page when it comes to performance. 
• Always seek feedback when you can. Grab any opportunity you can when it comes to requesting feedback. Don’t always wait for formal reviews. This shows you’re invested in growing with the company and willing to make necessary changes to stay on track or get ahead. 
• Aim to exceed expectations. Continue developing your skills and aim to do more than what’s assigned to you. Be open to learning new things, and stay flexible when new tasks or responsibilities come your way. Consistently going above and beyond makes it evident that you’re a growing asset to the company. 
• Be a better team player. Collaboration and communication skills go a long way. It’s hard to go by unnoticed when you can get along well with your colleagues and build a thriving work environment.
• Show initiative and ownership. Take responsibility for everything you do. Show that you’re determined to make an impact on the company’s success. Employers favor employees who not only perform well, but genuinely care about the company’s success. 

These steps will help you stay engaged, reliable, and aligned with company expectations. 

However, understand that you can’t always prevent the signs discussed in this guide. After all, some can occur for external reasons that aren’t within your control. 

Summary

Let’s recap all the key points discussed in this article:

• The signs of getting fired can happen due to work performance, misconduct (or other non-performance-related reasons), and external company factors. 
• If you spot any signs, take action by asking for feedback from your manager. Start documenting your work, prepare yourself financially, and be on the lookout for new job opportunities. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to get ahead if things take a turn for the worse. 
• To prevent any signs and help ease your fears of getting fired, focus on meeting and exceeding company expectations. Communicate regularly with your manager, take ownership, and show initiative.
• Remember that some situations are completely outside your control, like company-wide layoffs or financial downturns. 

My biggest advice is to focus on the things that you can change. In this case, that’s addressing potential skill gaps, meeting expectations, and having a job search strategy so that you can land your next career opportunity sooner if the worst were to happen. 

FAQs

What are the signs of quiet firing?

The signs of quiet firing revolve around the slow disappearance of support and engagement. You might notice that you’re left out of important meetings and conversations, given fewer responsibilities, or passed over for promotions or raises. Additionally, you may get little to no feedback from your managers and career growth opportunities can vanish. 

How can I tell if I’m being pushed out of my job?

The biggest way to tell is when there’s a sudden, significant change in your workload and responsibilities. You might also notice that you’re being excluded from important meetings, projects, and conversations. Plus, career progression and skills development opportunities could be getting passed over. If your intuition is screaming that things are odd, and communication with your managers and coworkers seem strange, it could just mean that your company is trying to push you toward the door. 

How long does it take to get fired?

Getting fired can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks or months. It all depends on the company’s policies and the context of your termination. In some cases, an employer could fire an employee immediately if the employee committed a serious violation. However, most companies have a formal process for termination that involves documenting performance and providing the employee with an opportunity to explain themselves, and then making a decision. 

Why do I always feel like I’m going to get fired?

Feeling like your job is always at risk usually comes down to self-doubt and anxiety, especially if you’ve been fired before. The fear of getting fired could stem from slight mistakes, feedback you received from your boss, recent changes in the company, or even just imposter syndrome. However, not every shift in tone or workload signals trouble. You’re more prone to overanalyzing situations when you’ve experienced being fired in the past or had any similar personal experiences. If that’s you, be extra careful when evaluating your current situation. Focus on what you can control, and prioritize improving where possible, while being mindful not to let your past cloud your judgment.

Does my boss want me gone? 

It’s usually hard to determine if your boss wants you gone. If you’re being quietly fired, the signs will rarely be direct—it’ll feel like you’re being neglected rather than confronted. However, if negative signs are recurring and piling up, it could imply that your boss wants you gone. 

If I quit before getting fired, can an employer still say I was fired?

Generally, no. Your employer can’t really say you were fired if you quit. However, if there were performance or disciplinary issues leading up to your departure, they might mention those if asked for a reference.