HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR JOB IS IN DANGER (BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE)

We're living in... let's call them "interesting" times.

Layoffs. Restructuring. Silent disengagement. And if your gut has been feeling off about your job lately, you're not alone. My DMs are flooded with messages from people wondering: 

"How do I know if my job is actually at risk?"

The hard truth? Most people only realize their job was in danger after they've already been let go. And by then, it's too late to get ahead of it.

I don't want that for you.

So in this issue, I'm breaking down 5 signs that your job may be in danger. Not to scare you, but to help you act before someone else decides for you.

Let's get into it.

Sign #1: Your boss has gone quiet

Your 1:1s have vanished. They're no longer replying to your messages. They're present in team meetings but totally checked out when it comes to you.

This is often the first emotional exit – they've mentally moved on, and you're no longer part of their long-term vision. If you're chasing face time and getting radio silence, something's up.

Sign #2: You are being left out of key projects

Big things are happening in your team or company... but somehow, you're not part of them. Others are getting picked for transformation projects, pilot initiatives, or visible work, and you're on the sidelines.

That's not just random. That's deliberate. And it's often a signal that your role may no longer be seen as essential.

Sign #3: You are the last to know what's going on

Strategic direction changes. Org reshuffles. Big decisions made behind closed doors. And you're finding out about them secondhand, sometimes through colleagues, or worse, only after they've already been implemented.

This is a key sign you are no longer seen as part of the core team or future roadmap.

Sign #4: Formal feedback starts showing up in writing

If you've gone from silence to suddenly getting performance-related emails, especially with HR or senior management copied, it's no longer a coincidence. This is the paper trail. Most people think this is a genuine effort to help you improve. It has moved past that.

You're likely already in the exit plan. They've gotten approvals. They're just building a case. Please, if this starts happening, start your stealth job search immediately.

Sign #5: Your responsibilities are being handed over

Somebody else is suddenly taking over your key tasks. You are no longer leading that project. A peer is looped into your accounts or client relationships. 

You may still have a desk, but operationally, the exit has begun. And if there's a surprise "Friday meeting" on your calendar, you likely already know how it ends.

So what now?

If you're seeing just one of these signs – stay alert. If you're seeing two or more – it's time to take action. 

The good news? Starting your job search doesn't mean you'll definitely lose your job. In fact, the opposite you are building your network, your visibility, your options.

That's career insurance. And in this market, you can't afford to go without it. So don't ignore the signs.

Your career deserves your attention, not just when there's a crisis, but always. 

Until next week!

Shub

Your Career Growth Partner