4 Signs That You're About To Be Fired
This YouTube video by a Seattle employment lawyer outlines four key signs an employer is preparing to fire an employee:
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Shift in Management’s Attitude: This is often the first sign and can range from subtle (coldness, distance) to overt (unfavorable assignments, altered job duties, changes in communication style – verbal only, written only). This shift in how the company interacts with the employee is not definitive proof of impending termination, but a strong indicator.
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Write-ups and Reprimands: These are often used to create a paper trail justifying termination. Look for inconsistencies; are only you being written up for behaviors others also exhibit? This suggests the write-ups are pretextual.
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Negative Performance Review: Similar to write-ups, negative performance reviews aim to build a case for firing. The negative feedback might contain elements of truth, but is often exaggerated or entirely fabricated. The lawyer emphasizes that employers rarely outright lie, but rather bend the truth to fit their narrative.
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Performance Improvement Plan (PIP): This is the most definitive sign. While not always used, a PIP usually indicates the employer intends to terminate employment. The goals set within the PIP are often unattainable or subjectively defined, making success impossible. The PIP serves as further documentation to justify the firing.
The lawyer emphasizes that none of these are guarantees of termination, but rather strong indicators that an employee should be aware of and potentially seek legal counsel.