Forced Out! - Yes, You Can Be Blindsided

Both on professional anonymous networks and during my coaching-practice sessions more and more the question is: Am I being forced out?

Today that is a headline on professional anonymous network Reddit Big Law: Am I being pushed out? Responders point to the red flags.

Yes, there could be indications that signal that you could be facing being pushed out. For example, you are being included in fewer high-profile projects, you have already thrown shade on yourself by missing deadlines, performance reviews have been lackluster and some in power have started treating you without respect. 

However, there is also the real possibility that there are no signs. That can be a standard strategy to keep you working hard until you are called in by Human Resources and terminated. A classic example is that you are sensing something is "wrong." You ask your superiors. Some might provide useful feedback that you leverage to turn around the situation. However, they might assure you that things are on-track. Then, poof, with no warning you are gone or placed on a PIP. 

What counts is how you handle losing your job. Here are some guidelines:

Don't panic. The ax falls. Keep a cool head to arrange for the best terms and conditions. You might indicate that you have to wait to consider what it being offered or not offered. It might be worth the expense to hire an employment lawyer for negotiations.

Conduct an audit of your previous decisions and behavior. What you did "wrong" could have been accepting a job which you anticipated might be a bad fit. Apply those findings to how you will operate your career in the future.

Figure out your cover story. If you are going to look for another job you need to position and package this to neutralize the reputational damage. One typical tactic is having a friend or relative "hire"you for assignments in your field of expertise. That's your cover story. It also prevents a resume gap.

You probably have to do image-management even if you start your own business. 

There is nothing to gain by badmouthing your former employer. Stay positive. Don't be seduced into negativity.

Get back in the saddle. A mistake is to withdraw, including from your networks. That tends to be a long time out of touch and out of the labor market during which your skills, confidence and contacts atrophy. In every sector there are temp assignments such as rent-an-executive or doing document review in the legal field. When earning income froms those you can explore longer-term plans such as a career change or becoming an entrepreneur. 

Yes, take it personally. That is, this is personal in the sense of taking ownership of this development. The burden is on you to navigate the situation. You are the CEO of your Next.

Life is hard. Business is even more difficult these days. Get answers – and relief. Jane Genova is a results-driven intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator related to careers. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)