If your boss suddenly turns cold, starts nitpicking, or shifts responsibilities away from you, trouble might be brewing.
No one wants to believe they’re on the chopping block, but sometimes the signs are too obvious to ignore. Maybe you’re left out of important meetings, your workload mysteriously shrinks, or you’re getting criticized for things that were never a problem before. When your boss is pushing you toward the exit, the worst thing you can do is sit back and hope for the best.
Whether this situation is a misunderstanding or a deliberate attempt to force you out, the key is to stay ahead of it. Protecting your career, finances, and reputation is more important than trying to win back a boss who may have already made up their mind. Instead of waiting for the inevitable, take action to put yourself in the strongest possible position—whether that means fighting to keep your job or planning your next move.
Gather proof of your contributions and work performance.
If your boss is trying to push you out, they may attempt to make it look like you’re underperforming, according to Jack Kelly at Forbes. Keeping detailed records of your work, including emails, reports, and accomplishments, helps protect you from unfair claims.
Start documenting everything—positive feedback, completed projects, and any proof that shows you’re doing your job well. If things escalate, this record can be crucial for defending yourself in performance reviews, HR meetings, or even legal disputes.
Stay professional and avoid emotional reactions.
It’s easy to get frustrated when you feel targeted, but blowing up at your boss or coworkers will only make things worse, as stated by Just Answer. Staying calm and collected ensures that you don’t give them any additional reasons to justify letting you go.
If tensions rise, focus on responding professionally rather than reacting emotionally. Keeping your composure helps you stay in control of the situation and protects your reputation with other colleagues and future employers.
Request a meeting to clarify expectations and concerns.
If things feel off, don’t sit back and wait—ask for a direct conversation with your boss. A professional discussion can help you understand where you stand and whether there’s anything you can do to change the situation.
Instead of assuming the worst, approach the meeting with curiosity, as reported by Judy Ringer. Ask for clear expectations and feedback on how you can improve. Even if their mind is already made up, showing initiative demonstrates professionalism and might give you extra time to prepare your next move.
Keep HR in the loop if things feel unfair or discriminatory.
If your boss is treating you differently than others without valid reasoning, documenting everything and reporting concerns to HR could be essential. While HR exists to protect the company, they also have to ensure fair workplace practices.
Don’t rush to complain about minor annoyances, but if you suspect discrimination, retaliation, or unethical behavior, having HR aware of the situation can help. Even if they can’t stop the termination, a formal record of your concerns could be useful later.
Strengthen your relationships with colleagues and other managers.
When a boss is working against you, having strong professional relationships elsewhere in the company can make a difference. If other leaders or coworkers respect your work, they might advocate for you or even offer opportunities in other departments.
Avoid isolating yourself and instead focus on maintaining a positive presence. Being well-liked and respected by others can counteract any negative narrative your boss might be trying to create.
Start quietly updating your resume and job search materials.
Even if you’re hoping to turn things around, it’s smart to prepare for the worst. Updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters now ensures you’re ready to apply for new jobs if things take a turn for the worse.
Don’t wait until you’re officially unemployed to start looking. Having job applications already in progress can make a sudden termination much less stressful and help you transition faster.
Avoid signing anything without fully understanding it.
If your employer suddenly presents you with paperwork—whether it’s a performance improvement plan (PIP), a resignation agreement, or a severance package—don’t sign it immediately. These documents often have legal implications, and you want to be sure you’re not unknowingly giving up important rights.
Take time to read everything carefully, and if needed, consult an employment lawyer. Signing without understanding could mean losing out on severance, benefits, or even potential legal claims.
Keep track of any signs of workplace retaliation.
If your boss starts changing your job duties, excluding you from meetings, or suddenly documenting every small mistake, it might be a sign of retaliation. This is especially important if you’ve recently raised concerns, reported issues, or refused to engage in unethical behavior.
Having a clear record of any changes or unfair treatment can help protect you if you need to escalate the situation to HR or seek legal advice. Retaliation is illegal, and proving it could work in your favor.
Be mindful of your digital footprint and work communications.
When things get tense, be extra cautious with emails, messages, and any work-related documents. Anything you say or write can be used against you, so avoid venting frustrations or saying anything that could be twisted to make you look unprofessional.
If you need to document conversations, do so privately and professionally. Never use your work email to discuss job searches, legal concerns, or anything that could backfire if monitored.
Consider negotiating an exit strategy instead of waiting to be fired.
If it’s clear that your boss is determined to get rid of you, voluntarily negotiating an exit may be better than waiting to be pushed out. This could mean securing severance pay, negotiating a later termination date, or agreeing to a neutral reference in exchange for resigning.
While it’s not always possible, an agreed-upon exit can give you more control over the transition and reduce the risk of a sudden, unexpected firing. If you choose this route, get any agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings later.
Take care of your mental and emotional well-being.
Facing a hostile work environment or the fear of losing your job is mentally draining. Stress, anxiety, and frustration can take a toll, making it harder to stay focused and professional.
Prioritizing self-care—whether through exercise, talking to supportive friends, or even seeking therapy—can help you stay grounded during this difficult period. A clear head will help you make better decisions and handle the situation with confidence.
Be prepared for a fresh start—whether at your current job or elsewhere.
Sometimes, you can turn things around and keep your job. Other times, no amount of effort will change the outcome. Either way, being proactive rather than reactive puts you in the best position moving forward.
If you manage to stay, use this experience as motivation to strengthen your professional skills and future-proof your career. If you end up moving on, take the lessons learned and find an opportunity where you’re valued and supported. Either way, you’ll come out stronger.