When to Quit a Job--Getting Out Before the Pink Slip Comes

Knowing when to quit a job can save your work record from being marred by a dismissal from service. It's been my experience, as an employer and supervisor, that there are five common actions taken before firing an employee that can tip the worker off. If any have happened to you, you may want to scoot out the door ahead of the pink slip.

Your hours are being cut and given to someone else. If you keep noticing your scheduled days or hours at work are being whittled down week by week, there is good reason to assume you are being replaced. This is a common tactic used to edge unwanted employees out. The reasoning is that you will quit, before having to be fired. Even if you try to stay on in your increasingly part-time employment, your employer will be vigilantly looking for a valid reason to terminate.

You are put on a final warning. Especially heed this warning if it is after a minor first offense or a stricter write-up than typically handed out for the infraction. You are being set along the path for termination for violating rules or policies. Your boss is using proper channels and company protocol to handle the situation.

You are told not to bother with mandatory training. You won't be there to utilize it, so the company does not want to foot the expense of extended education. This is especially signals eminent firing if you are not allowed by law to perform your job without the training.

You are hidden from customers or higher-ups. Any lacking in attitude, professional appearance and performance could cause your supervisor to keep you out of sight. If you are told to vacate the premises during crucial business or sales encounters, then your boss is no longer confident of your abilities.

Important duties are taken away. A few changes in your job description could simply be due to company changes and streamlining. But if your higher-ups are pulling away important duties--especially financial, supervisory capacities or decision making--it is because they no longer trust you or your abilities. It is likely a demotion or pink slip is headed your way.