4 Common Signs Youre Getting Fired From Your Job - The Muse

4 Common Signs Youre Getting Fired From Your Job - The Muse4 Common Signs Youre Getting Fired From Your JobI watched a family member get the clamps put on her this year by her boss, who very clearly, wanted to show her the door. But, instead of managing it humanely (or sanely), this manager did what plenty of leid-so-stellar companies do They turn up the burner under the persons rear end with the hopes shell just up and quit.It welches so obvious what was happening that it wouldve been comedic- had it not been happening to one of my dear ones. I watched it all unfold from the sidelines- which was just heartbreaking to see- especially since I could do little. Ultimately, my family member quit, gaining her sanity and a much better boss in the process. But it was not good.Conversely, Ive counseled professionals who come in panicking over signs of impending doom. Yet, when we evaluate the situation carefully, we realize the things theyre stewing about arent likely blaring signs at all- a t least not signs that the end is near for the employee. So, how do you determine if your job may be in jeopardy, or if youre maybe being a bit paranoid? While Im always a proponent of trusting your gut in situations like this, here are a few signs (and non-signs) to consider 1. Your Boss Starts Putting Everything in WritingWith my loved ones situation, the ramp up of putting everything in writing was nearly ridiculous. And it wasnt just that the boss suddenly began hyper-documenting everything, she also began cc-ing the universe on correspondence (including their client, when doing so was unnecessary and arguably damaging to the relationship).Few things scream, Im setting up a case for HR louder than sudden acceleration of email documentation. If youre dealing with this, be sure to create a paper trail. Because If HR is reviewing documentation, you want to ensure that your messages make you look like the professional that you are. (This is extra important if you think your boss is in the wrong.) Oh, also consider freshening up your resume ASAP.Signs You Might Just Be ParanoidRecognize that some bosses simply use email as their main form of communication. Others are natural micromanagers, so they send frequent and detailed messages to make sure they keep a handle on everything. If youre not seeing a marked or obvious change in frequency or tone, it really might be nothing.2. You Get Removed From (or, Left Off) ProjectsOne day youre the key point person on a project, and then suddenly youre redeployed or replaced with either little explanation or, worse, direct explanation that youre not hacking it.When an employer starts reassigning your work to others without giving you a clear, understandable rationale, this could very well be a sign that the departments preparing for your departure.Consider asking (in a positive, constructive way) for specifics if youre being removed without explanation from assignments youd normally be involved with.Signs You Might Just Be ParanoidIt could be that your focus and attention is truly needed elsewhere, so the shift makes perfect sense. Maybe your boss or team needs you on a priority assignment, or your manager realizes youve got a lot going on, so shes compassionately trying to lighten your load on non-vital activities.Certainly, dont ignore your situation if you start getting pulled from projects, but do look at it from all angles to determine if its for sound reasons, or otherwise.FEELING LIKE YOU MIGHT LOSE YOUR JOB SUCKSBut the good nachrichtensendung is that we know a ton of awesome companies hiring nowJust click here 3. Youre Put on a Performance Improvement PlanIts generally not an ideal thing if you get placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP). In most organizations, it means youre falling short to a point that your boss feels the situation needs to be formally documented, and turned around. And while it certainly may not be the end of the world- especially if your supervisors supportive th rough this period- being placed on a plan (and forced to sign off that you agree to it) could be a red flag.It isnt always easy to tell the difference between We really want to see you make it and We really hope you get so frustrated and demoralized that you quit, especially if your selbst is bruised by the news. However, if youre feeling like the requirements of the plan stack the cards well against you, start considering an exit strategy. Signs You Might Just Be ParanoidNow, some companies use plans as an honest effort to reignite or redirect an employees performance, and they genuinely believe in the persons ability to recover. If you find yourself on a PIP, dont jump right to the assumption that youre being shoved out. Gauge the level of transparency and support comes with it. If the turnaround plans attainable, measurable, and forthright, it could be that everyone truly is rooting for you. (And now its up to you to mobilize.)4. People Start Acting Quiet or Weird Around YouOh, h ow Id like to say rumblings, gossip, and pre-sharing of information with your peers never goes on when an employer is preparing to terminate you. But sometimes it does- and it could result in whispery conversations in the break room or people acting strange or nervous every time youre in the vicinity.If co-workers or clients around you are suddenly acting a little bit weird, it might not be just you. It could be that they have advanced knowledge of what might go down, or be speculating from the sidelines.Signs You Might Just Be ParanoidAs hard as it may be to do, this the one sign Id put the least stock in, unless the behavioral changes among your colleagues or clients is just blaring. Why? Because people are people. We are emotional creatures with baggage and moods and outside things going on- relationship issues, family stressors, health issues, you name it. And sometimes these outside things come in to work with us and display themselves as different than normal behavior.Dont alw ays assume its you, but do pay close attention if theres a marked change among your peers.Getting fired really stinks. But ask anyone whos gone through the pre-firing stage- that part can stink even more because its just looming over you. Its almost always best to constructively and (to the extent you can) non-emotionally assess what youre dealing with, and then strategize accordingly.(And, if your boss really is trying to make your life so miserable that you crumble or quit? Trust that karma will do its thing down the road.)Photo of man at window courtesy of gradyreese/Getty Images.

6 TED Talks to Help You Climb the Ladder at Work - The Muse

6 TED Talks to Help You Climb the Ladder at Work - The Muse6 TED Talks to Help You Climb the Ladder at WorkWe all have challenges we face as we climb the ladder to success- something is holding us back, someone is standing in our way, were afraid to take the leap.The thing is, even the most successful individuals faced these exact same difficulties. And not only did they learn how to overcome them, they shared their secrets with the world.So, without furtzu sich ado, here are six TED Talks by entrepreneurs, leaders, and researchers that will help you tackle any obstacle that comes your way- so you can get back to doing great work.1. If Youre Working Hard But Still Not Improving How to Get Better at the Things You Care About by Eduardo BriceoLearning expert and writer Briceo suggests there are two aspects of our work the learning zone and the performance zone. If we want to excel in the career, hobby, or thing we care about the most, he believes we should spend more time focusing on t he learning zone- a.k.a., continuing to pick up new skills thatll help us better perform in the long run.2. If Youre Working Hard But Not Moving Up The Career Advice You Probably Didnt Get by Susan ColantuonoLeadership expert Susan Colantuono knows why youre not moving up in your field, even if youre doing everything that you were told to do. Even though most of her research focuses on women and closing the gender gap, her insight into the secret to career advancement is extremely helpful for anyone looking to get promoted or be seen as a leader in their industry.3. If Fear Is Holding You Back Smash Fear, Learn Anything by Tim FerrissProductivity guru Tim Ferriss used to be terrified of swimming. But, by facing his fear, he was able to learn a great deal about the sport- among other things. After listening to his three stories, youll understand that being afraid ultimately means youre on the right track to greatness.4. If Your Great Work Is Constantly Being Interrupted Why Work Does nt Happen at Work by Jason FriedWhy cant you seem to focus in the office, but work perfectly fine in, say, a coffee shop? Well, entrepreneur and author Jason Fried argues that theres a difference between voluntary (checking Facebook) and involuntary (someone scheduling a meeting) distractions. Watching this video will help you limit interruptions, get more meaningful work done, and just maybe cut down on how many meetings you attend (dont we all want that?).5. If Youre Not Reaching Your Goals Keep Your Goals to Yourself by Derek SiversIn this short talk, entrepreneur Derek Sivers makes a pretty good case for why you shouldnt tell people your goals- mainly, because when you spread the word, youre scientifically less likely to achieve them. However, there is a better way to tell someone so that they hold you accountable, without holding you back.6. If Your Ideas Never Seem to Take Off The Single Biggest Reason Why Startups Succeed by Bill GrossHaving a great idea, or a great team, or a lot of money, can only get you so far, says Gross, founder of Idealab. Its the timing of your idea that makes it stick, and heres why.

The State of Tech Hiring in Raleigh

The State of Tech Hiring in RaleighThe State of Tech Hiring in RaleighTHE STATE OF TECH HIRING IN RALEIGH-DURHAMQ3 and Q4 2019TOP SKILLS IN IMMEDIATE DEMAND1. Cybersecurity2. Cloud computing3. Web development/design4. Virtualization5. Business intelligence DevOps Cloud architecture*OF TECHNOLOGY LEADERS SURVEYED 70% plan to expand their teams.24% plan to fill only vacant positions.91% say its challenging to find IT talent in their area.98% are confident in their companys prospects for growth.96% will bring on project-based IT employees. Below are the top reasonsWhen theres a sudden vacancy 62%Consultants are part of our hiring strategy 55%When a skill does not exist internally 51%For especially busy times 45%For unplanned, time-sensitive projects 35%Multiple responses allowed.TOP BUSINESS CONCERNS1. Maintaining security of IT systems2. Investing in new technologies3. Cloud projects/initiatives Innovation or helping grow the business*Source Technology survey of 100 local IT decision m akers from a stratified sample of companies with 100 or more employees. 2019 Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans