Tech CEO shares warning signs for employees that indicate their boss is about to fire them

If you suspect your boss might be planning to fire you, tech founder Theresa Sue Mubenga–who goes by @resasue on TikTok–believes there are some key signs to watch for at work. Mubenga has spent nine years in the corporate world and now runs a tech company. "I've worked in the professional sports tech industry for almost ten years, learning all about the corporate world," she told Bored Panda. "I always wanted to run my own business so I could view corporations differently, not just as an employee. Now, I use what I've learned to help companies and individuals navigate the tech industry."

No one likes to think about getting fired, but it is something we'd prefer to see coming, especially in these uncertain times. "I talk about things that are hard for people to face, but we all go through similar experiences. I'm just here to express those shared feelings," Mubenga explained. In her viral video, Mubenga shares some signs people can spot at their workplace that hint at their chances of getting fired. One major indicator is when a person's boss asks them to start documenting their work, such as uploading or logging what they're working on.

Another sign is being left out of emails, meetings or social interactions and noticing that people start acting differently. A significant red flag is being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which Mubenga emphasizes often signals that the company is planning to let the person go. Additionally, a change in the boss' behavior, such as giving the employee the cold shoulder and communicating less, indicates the person might be on their way out. Recognizing these signs can help people prepare for a potential job termination.

Many TikTok users shared their own stories of being put on PIP. "When they schedule a random 1:1 on a Friday," said @whatwouldethelwea. @justtaylor4 shared, "My old boss did this to me and then I quit to go to a better-paying job, while she got laid off." @coachkeishaspeaks advised, "Remember to document everything. If you are ever left out of emails and meetings make sure to log that. A lawsuit for singling you out!"

"Don't stress over what might be happening," Mubenga said. "Focus on what's next for you. Sometimes, a change in direction is what's best for us." Economists believe people will continue to face greater global turbulence driven by domestic and international political fragmentation, reports Harvard Business Review. In such uncertain times, having a backup plan is crucial, especially in terms of work.

According to a 2022 PwC study of 722 US executives, over half of the involved corporations anticipated reducing their entire employment, with 52% planning a recruiting freeze and 44% withdrawing job offers. These figures, however, indicate executives' expectations for the next six months to a year so they may vary over time. Despite signals that the employment market is cooling, labor experts believe workers retain some bargaining leverage, at least for the time being.

You can follow Theresa Sue Mubenga (@resasue) for more such videos on navigating workplace issues.