Warning Signs You’re About to Be Fired from Your Job—And What to Do Next

Losing your job is never easy, but sometimes, the warning signs are there before it happens. Maybe your boss has been avoiding you, your workload has suddenly decreased, or you’ve been left out of important meetings. While these changes don’t always mean termination is coming, they’re often red flags that something is wrong. 

If you suspect you’re about to be fired from your job, don’t panic—prepare. Recognizing the warning signs can give you time to act, whether that means improving your performance, documenting potential workplace issues, or exploring your legal rights. In this blog, we’ll cover common indicators that your job may be at risk and what steps you can take to protect yourself. 

Signs You Might Be About to Get Fired from Your Job 

• Negative Performance Reviews: Are you receiving harsh feedback, being labeled as underperforming, or placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)? Employers sometimes use this process to justify termination. 
• Performance Improvement Plan (PIP): If placed on a PIP, assess whether it is clear and supportive or ambiguous and unrealistic. A vague, short, and unassisted PIP could mean you’re being set up for failure. 
• Micromanagement: Increased scrutiny and excessive monitoring may indicate that your employer is trying to force you out. 
• Isolation: Have you been excluded from meetings or projects? Sudden isolation from your team can be a warning sign. 
• Changes in Responsibilities: A drastic shift in your workload—whether an overload or a significant reduction—may signal an impending termination. 
• Reduced Communication: If your boss or colleagues have started avoiding you, it could mean they are distancing themselves in preparation for your termination. 
• Loss of Financial Benefits: A lack of raises, bonuses, or other financial incentives may indicate trouble ahead. 
• Company Leadership Changes: Significant shifts in management may bring terminations as new leadership makes structural changes. 
• Resignation Pressure: If you’re being encouraged to resign, it’s often a strategy to avoid severance pay and limit legal risks for the company. 
• Last-Minute HR Meetings: A sudden, unscheduled meeting with HR could be a sign that your termination is imminent. 

What to Do If You Are Fired from Your Job in California 

If you’re facing termination in California, it’s critical to understand your legal rights. Consulting with a employment attorney can help determine if your firing was lawful and what legal options you may have. 

Key Steps to Take: 

• Keep a Paper Trail: Retain copies of performance reviews, emails, HR communications, and any complaints you’ve filed. Documentation can be crucial if you pursue legal action. 
• Request a Reason for Termination: While California is an at-will employment state, asking for a reason may provide valuable insight for potential legal claims. 
• Know Your Rights: Learn about California employee rights, particularly regarding workplace retaliation, discrimination, and wrongful termination. 
• Consult an Employment Attorney: An experienced employment lawyer can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. 
• File a Complaint if Necessary: If you believe your termination was due to workplace discrimination or retaliation in the workplace, you may file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). 
• Apply for Unemployment Benefits: Determine your eligibility for benefits following termination. 
• Negotiate a Severance Package: If offered severance, have it reviewed by an employment attorney to ensure fairness before signing. 

Losing your job can be overwhelming, but knowing your rights and taking the right steps can help you regain control of your future. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated , don’t hesitate to seek help from an attorney . At Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights (LFECR), our experienced employment attorneys are dedicated to protecting California employees from unfair treatment. Contact us today for a consultation.