5 Ways to Handle a Boss Who Is Pushing You Out the Door

WOMEN OF IMPACT Web Series 4 Times a Confident Woman Does Not Ba...

5 Ways to Handle a Boss Who Is Pushing You Out the Door

In a perfect world, you have a great boss that believes in you, supports you, and talks straight with you. But your reality might be that your boss isn't so happy with you and wants you gone. If that's so, here are five questions you need to consider:

Can you turn it around?
If your work is meeting expectations and your boss is still trying to get rid of you, is there still a possibility you can turn that around? You might not want to think about doing more than you already have to fix a bad situation. But if you don't, you will likely be gone soon.

Make sure you haven’t let your ego blind you to trying anything that might help. This isn't the time to focus on how your boss is unfair or uncaring--not if you want to keep your job. This is the time to ask yourself if you really want to stay and if you're willing to go even beyond the extra mile to turn things around, if possible.

Are you making things worse for yourself?
When faced with a bad situation we often go to two extremes that make things worse. One extreme is to minimize your situation. Don't say, “It's not that bad, I'll deal with it tomorrow,”--that thinking will steal the sense of urgency you need to improve your job security.

The other extreme you want to avoid is “catastrophizing” your situation by thinking and feeling it's the “end of the world.” Yes, admit you’re taking some blows but remind yourself you can get through it. Then tell yourself just because something feels like it’s the worst thing in the world doesn’t mean it is.

Can you go above your boss?
This one is tricky and could get you fired. But if you are sure you’re going to be shown the door anyway, what do you have to lose? Does your company have a process for resolving these types of issues? If so, make sure you understand how the process works before you engage it.

Should you go to your boss’s boss first or to HR? Whomever you go to, make sure you have evidence to back up your complaint, keep your cool, and expect the best. Yes, expect the best—otherwise your fear or anger will come out in the way you handle yourself.

How can you prepare for the worst?
I know I just told you to expect the best. Now I’m saying to get ready in case things go south. Ideally, you’ve been looking for another position within your company and for opportunities outside your company. I know that’s hard to do when you’re dealing with the emotional fall-out of what your boss is doing.

However, if you don’t prepare for being let go then you’ll have two challenges to face—being let go and being without any job prospects. It’s always easier to get hired if you already have a job, so get going.

Are you getting the support you need?
The last thing you need to be doing is doing this alone. Don’t tell me you’ve been keeping this from your significant other because you want to protect them. Quit trying to be the hero or heroine and tell them you need their support to get through this. Being strong doesn’t mean being silent. It takes real strength to ask for help. There is help and support all around you.

What about your family and friends? Resist the temptation to isolate and make sure you surround yourself with those who care about you. Do you need help to update your resume and make it stand out? Do you need to learn how to navigate the job search or to interview like a pro?

Some help is free and some requires you to invest in yourself. Do whatever it takes to get the support you need.