In today’s rapidly shifting job market, no one likes to admit they might be on shaky ground. But as a career coach who has worked with professionals across industries, I’ve seen one consistent truth: jobs don’t just disappear overnight. There are often subtle (and not-so-subtle) warning signs that suggest a role is at risk—if you know where to look.
And the risk is real. Roughly 12.6% of U.S. employment, or about 19.2 million jobs, are at high risk of being taken over by automation, according to recent research by the Society for Human Resource Management. If you’ve been sensing something’s off at work lately, don’t ignore your intuition. Here are seven red flags that may indicate your job could be on the chopping block and what you can do about it.
Your Projects Start Disappearing Without Explanation
One of the earliest signs of trouble is a sudden shift in your workload. If projects you were once responsible for start vanishing or are reassigned without discussion, it may mean leadership is beginning to phase you out.
This isn’t always malicious. Sometimes, it’s about reorganization or shifting priorities—but when you’re consistently left out of key assignments, it’s worth investigating. Ask yourself: Are others getting strategic work while I’m handed busywork or nothing at all? That imbalance can be a signal that your role is no longer seen as essential.
You’re Cut Out Of The Conversation
Have you noticed you’re no longer included in important emails, meetings, or decision-making discussions? If you’re being excluded from conversations where you were once a regular voice, it may not be an oversight—it could be intentional.
Being left out undermines your ability to contribute and stay visible, which is particularly damaging if your role requires influence or collaboration. Start documenting when and how you’re being excluded, and consider having a candid conversation with your manager to express your concerns and reassert your desire to stay engaged.
Your Boss Starts Communicating Like A Stranger
Managers are human. Their tone and behavior can fluctuate. But if your once-friendly boss has become distant, cold, or uncharacteristically formal, it could be a clue that something’s changed, especially if this shift is specific to you.
Formal, clipped interactions often indicate discomfort or a shift in relationship dynamics. It could mean your manager is under pressure to make tough decisions—or that they’re trying to emotionally distance themselves before delivering difficult news. Keep an eye on how your boss interacts with others. If the change seems isolated to you, that’s worth noting.
You’re Either Ignored Or Criticized—Nothing In Between
Consistent feedback is a vital part of career growth. But if the praise has disappeared and all you’re getting now is silence or criticism, that imbalance can be emotionally draining, and it may be signaling something deeper.
When managers begin focusing only on your mistakes, they may be laying the groundwork to justify a termination or reorganization. Constructive feedback should always be part of a supportive work culture. If all you hear are negatives (or nothing at all), it might be time to reassess where you stand.
You Notice Everything Is Suddenly “In Writing”
Most companies encourage documentation, but when communication starts becoming overly formal—every request in writing, every action tracked—it can signal a shift from collaboration to self-protection.
This often happens when legal or HR concerns come into play. If your manager starts copying HR on routine messages or stops having verbal check-ins in favor of carefully worded emails, it may mean they’re preparing a paper trail. If this happens, you should start documenting everything yourself, too.
You’re Set Up To Fail—Then Blamed For It
A particularly disheartening sign is when you’re put in a position where success is nearly impossible—unclear instructions, unrealistic deadlines, or being assigned tasks outside your skill set—only to be criticized afterward.
This tactic is sometimes used to justify letting an employee go under the guise of poor performance. If you’re repeatedly placed in these situations, advocate for yourself in writing. Clarify expectations, ask for resources, and document your responses. This not only shows initiative, but also protects your professional reputation if things escalate.
Someone Else Starts Attending Meetings In Your Place
Nothing says “we’re moving on” quite like seeing someone else sit in your chair—literally or figuratively. If another employee starts taking your place in meetings, representing your work, or being introduced as a point of contact where you once were, it’s a clear sign your role may be getting absorbed or replaced.
This is particularly common in restructuring scenarios, where duties are redistributed before official changes are announced. If you notice this shift, ask for clarification. It’s better to be proactive and understand the changes rather than silently watching them unfold.
If several of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to take action, not panic. Start by documenting everything and seeking clarification where appropriate. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile, reconnect with your network, and quietly begin exploring new opportunities. Consider speaking with a career coach or mentor to evaluate your options and craft a plan.
Remember, being proactive doesn’t mean you’ve given up. It means you’re empowering yourself. Job loss is never easy, but it doesn’t have to derail your career. The sooner you recognize the signs, the sooner you can take steps to ensure your next chapter is on your own terms. You’ve got this!