What to Do When Your Employer Wants to Get Rid of You

It’s an uncomfortable and unsettling experience when you sense your employer is trying to push you out. Take, for example, the recent controversy surrounding companies like Amazon, which allegedly used return-to-office mandates as a strategic move to reduce headcount. You might feel tempted to throw in the towel and resign (and sometimes that’s the best option, especially if you already have a decent job offer lined up). However, resigning too quickly could mean giving up valuable benefits like years of service, bonuses, or perks tied to your tenure. Moreover, it might not be the ideal moment for a job transition, especially if the timing doesn’t align with your personal or professional plans.

So, how should you react when faced with this situation to avoid making rash decisions and ensure you maximize your outcome?

Signs Your Employer May Be Trying to Push You Out

First, you need to recognize the signs that your boss may be trying to push you out. Let’s take a look at some of the most common indicators:

1. Sudden Exclusion from Meetings or Projects When your role or input is suddenly deemed unnecessary, it can be a red flag. If you once were involved in decision-making processes, and now you find yourself sidelined, it’s likely that your boss is reducing your influence in preparation for your departure.
2. Constant Micromanagement or Unfair Criticism While some managers may naturally have a more hands-on style, if you're suddenly being micromanaged or consistently criticized for minor issues that were never a problem before, this could be a tactic to make you feel incompetent or frustrated enough to leave on your own.
3. Shifting Responsibilities If your role is being stripped down to mundane or less important tasks, this could be a sign that the company is preparing to eliminate your position or give you less of a reason to stay.
4. Putting You on PIP Without Merit Sometimes, companies will place employees on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) with unrealistic expectations or timelines, making it virtually impossible for the employee to meet the criteria for success. If this happens, understand that it's often a formal process designed to justify your termination.
5. Cutting Flexible Arrangements and Benefits If your employer once offered a lot of flexibility and benefits but suddenly starts cutting back on everything—like currently Amazon and some other companies are doing—it could be a sign that they need to reduce their workforce and are trying to frustrate you in hopes that you'll resign.

Sometimes, the signs are obvious; other times, they are subtle but unmistakable. And occasionally, it may mean nothing serious, and you could simply be overthinking the situation. In any case, the best is not to ponder about it too much and simply behave so that you minimize the risk of being fired. Learn the details in my earlier article here: How to Avoid Getting Fired.

Brace for Impact

Document Everything

If you sense that you’re being unfairly targeted, document all relevant communications and actions. This includes emails, performance reviews, meeting notes, and any written exchanges that could demonstrate your good performance or unfair treatment. Should you need to negotiate your departure or take legal action, this evidence will be invaluable.

Understand Your Legal Rights

Research the labor laws in your region to understand your rights as an employee. If your employer is unfairly targeting you or trying to pressure you into resigning, there may be legal protections available. You might also consider consulting with an employment lawyer to get personalized advice based on your situation.

Start Looking for a New Job

While the boot may not be coming anytime soon, and you may even be able to rectify the situation (see: How to Avoid Getting Fired), it's wise to prepare for the possibility of leaving the company. Update your resume, start networking, and quietly look for new opportunities. By being proactive, you’ll have more control over the situation and can be prepared for the next step in your career, should it come to that.

Learn more: For a comprehensive guide on how to effectively find a new job, check out my book, Get Your Dream Job.

In the Lion’s Den

If the subtle tactics mentioned earlier don’t succeed in pushing you to resign, your employer may turn up the pressure and go for a more direct confrontation. If you’ve received a suspicious invitation to a one-on-one meeting with your supervisor or HR, it’s important to approach the situation strategically:

Stay Calm and Professional

The first step is to remain calm, control your emotions, and avoid acting impulsively. Although the situation may feel frustrating and unsettling, staying rational and assessing everything objectively is crucial. The more composed and professional you remain, the harder it will be for the company to manipulate you.

Listen actively to what the other side has to say and gather as much information as possible about what led to this situation. Have you done anything wrong? What evidence could the employer have against you? Take notes with pen and paper, but avoid recording the discussion—it can work against you and, in some cases, be legally questionable.

Be Careful What You Sign

If they present any documents to you, read everything carefully. If it appears to be a contract, agreement, or similar, do not sign it. Take the documents with you and consult your employment lawyer first. If it’s simply a handover confirmation, signing is usually fine. However, if you're unsure, don’t sign anything. In any case, ensure you obtain a copy of all the documents your employer presents. If they don’t provide a copy, ask if you can make one or take a picture with your phone.

To Go, or Not to Go?

Try to Turn the Situation Around

Depending on what your supervisor has against you, there might still be a chance to turn the situation around. Even if you’re already sitting in the room with an HR representative, staring at the termination papers, you can still come out on top. Believe me, I’ve seen things happen!

First, ask for specifics: what exactly has led to this decision? Listen carefully and acknowledge any valid points, but also be prepared to present your side of the story. If the issue is performance-related, demonstrate your willingness to improve. Offer actionable steps on how you plan to address the concerns, and request a performance improvement plan (PIP) rather than immediate termination.

Next, highlight your contributions to the company. Remind them of the value you’ve added—projects you’ve completed, goals you’ve achieved, or any other contributions that have benefited the team. This can shift the narrative from a purely negative perspective to one that shows your worth.

If you feel unfairly treated or if your supervisor has personal biases against you, consider escalating the issue. Reach out to a higher-level manager or HR. Politely but firmly explain that you believe the decision is unjust and provide any evidence that supports your position. Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can bring a different perspective to the situation and possibly reverse the decision.

Remember, in such a situation, it’s crucial to be assertive. Assertiveness allows you to stand your ground and communicate your needs clearly without being passive or aggressive. By maintaining a calm yet firm approach, you can push back against unfair treatment and ensure your rights are respected. Being assertive also demonstrates confidence, making it harder for the employer to pressure you into decisions that may not be in your best interest.

When It's Better to Leave After All

If you made a serious blunder (such as gross misconduct) and your employer caught you, it may be best to leave. Even if they have strong evidence, the employer might offer you a resignation or termination agreement instead of firing you outright to avoid potential litigation. This also benefits you because it allows you to create your own story about why you left, making it easier when explaining your situation to future employers.

On the other hand, if you believe you are innocent but your employer obstinately insists on your departure—asking you to leave the premises, or even locking you out or cutting off access—it’s best not to cause any disruptions and simply leave. In the end, it’s always better to work for someone who genuinely wants you on their team and appreciates the qualities you bring to the table. Working for someone who doesn’t recognize or value your contributions can lead to frustration, decreased motivation, and eventually burnout.

Consider consulting your situation with an employment lawyer, however, as you may be able to claim constructive dismissal and secure additional compensation.

Negotiate an Exit Package

It is always better to leave with something rather than walk away empty-handed. If you haven’t made any major mistake or if your employer lacks strong evidence against you, consider negotiating an exit package instead of simply resigning or signing a termination agreement. Don’t be afraid to ask about the possibility of severance pay, extended health benefits, and other compensatory items. Keep in mind that finding a new job can take six months or more, so ensure you have enough financial support to cover your needs during that period.

Conclusion

Facing a situation where your employer is trying to push you out can be quite challenging, both emotionally and professionally. However, by staying calm, gathering all necessary information, and strategically responding, you can navigate these tricky circumstances.

Keep in mind that the specific details and available actions will depend on the applicable laws in your country or region, so it's best to consult your situation with a lawyer before taking any potentially irreversible steps.

Most importantly, remember that it’s nothing personal—the HR professionals handling your case are simply doing their job.

Good luck!

You may also like:

• How to Avoid Getting Fired
• Layoff Survival Guide: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
• Navigate Your Job Hunt with Confidence to Attract the Best Opportunities

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