10 Signs You Are Being Managed Out of Your Job

Bad management is commonplace, with 1 in 3 employees quitting their jobs because of their manager. When a manager decides they no longer want you in the job, they may use tactics often referred to as ‘quiet firing’, which means they are taking steps to try and remove you from the job. You might notice changes in your job and the interactions with your manager and colleagues, and you may even feel like you are being paranoid. However, being managed out of a job is more common than you might think.

Managed Out of a Job Vs Being Fired

You might wonder why a manager would try to manage you out of a job rather than fire you, and quite simply, it makes their life easier. If they manage you out of a job, they make the circumstances uncomfortable for you, so you decide to leave of your own accord. If the organisation fires you, it can become more complex, and could even land them in a tribunal. They need to follow strict procedures, so it might just be easier to manage you out of the job instead. These are signs that you are being managed out of your job.

Your Workload Has Changed

If your workload has gotten significantly heavier or lighter, without any good reason, it could be a sign that your manager is preparing for your exit. They may be giving you too much work to overload you to the point where you want to leave, or if it has gotten lighter, they may be delegating your work to colleagues, in preparation for you leaving. It is a cruel way to treat employees, but unfortunately, it is common. The process of being managed out of work is a type of bullying.

Uncomfortable Vibe

When things aren’t quite right, you can often get a sense of it from the vibe in the workplace. For instance, everyone stops talking when you arrive, your manager isn’t speaking to you much, or there is just a shift in the general atmosphere. Of course, it might not always be down to being managed out of the job, but if there are several signs, you are probably right in feeling that something isn’t quite right.

Exclusion from Meetings

If you are no longer being invited to meetings, it could signify a change in how your manager feels about your role in the organisation. It shows that they no longer see you as part of the organisation or the team and is one of the signs you are being managed out of work.

Sudden Micromanagement

If you notice signs you’re being watched at work, it may signify that you are micromanaged. If you are suddenly micromanaged, it may be a sign that your manager is trying to get you to a point where you are so frustrated that you leave. No one feels comfortable with being micromanaged, and it is a surefire way of encouraging staff to leave. 

Focusing on Minor Mistakes

A sudden behaviour change may include your manager suddenly picking up on minor mistakes in your work. If you feel you can’t do anything right, it might be a sign that the manager already has you out the door.

Change in Working Hours

Another tactic employed by managers is to change your working hours so they no longer suit you. For instance, they might decide to change your part-time role into a full time; or no longer offer the flexibility you know you need. This is one of the signs you are being managed out of work.

Lack of Training

If your manager is saying that you are not meeting their expectations, but they are not taking any steps to identify gaps in your training to support you, it may be a sign that they would rather you leave the organisation.

Verbal Communication

Employers often only communicate issues verbally, so there is no paper trail if they do get you out of the organisation. They don’t want anything to fall back on them, so they ensure they don’t put anything in writing. This is one of the danger signs of being managed out.

Exclusion from Social Events

If you are no longer being invited to social events, it signifies that your manager no longer views you as part of their team, and this is a sign they are trying to get you to leave.

Lack of Support

In cases where you know you are no longer wanted in the organisation, it is understandable that you will feel a lot of negative emotions. If your manager is not making any attempt to support you, it is a sign that you are being managed out of work.

If you are noticing danger signs of being managed out, it may be time to get a professional CV ready. We offer top-rated CV writing services and you can order your CV here or contact us to find out more.