4 signs you might be getting ‘managed out’ of your job – and what to do about it

Getting managed out happens when employers subtly encourage an employee to resign. A company may want to cut costs, avoid legal risks or prevent the bad publicity a termination can cause.

If you think you’re being ‘managed out’ of your job, be aware of these signs and learn how to respond effectively.

1. You have fewer responsibilities

You get fewer tasks or projects than before. Some of them might be replaced with busy work. After asking around, you might find other team members are now doing the tasks that disappeared from your plate. During meetings, your boss no longer asks for your input to make important decisions.

These are subtle ways to make you feel like you’re not making a significant contribution to the company.

2. You get vague or overly critical feedback

Another technique is to make your job intolerable so that you quit on your own. Replacing constructive feedback with negative or dismissive comments is a red flag. The same goes for downplaying or ignoring your achievements.

Meanwhile, some managers take the indifferent approach. They provide unclear or generic feedback without actionable suggestions for improvement, which can set you up for failure.

3. Your performance goals suddenly change

Companies set success metrics months in advance for a reason. Changing these goals abruptly results in inaccurate performance assessments, especially if the new objectives are unreasonable. Some managers use this tactic to justify poor performance reviews and unfair disciplinary actions.

Asking around and finding out you’re one of the few or the only one with new success metrics is a sign you might be getting managed out of your job.

4. You’re being micromanaged or isolated

Your boss requires you to provide frequent updates of your work and get approval for minor decisions. Everything you do is reviewed more closely than before. You might also be isolated.

For example, you could be discouraged from collaborating with co-workers and excluded from meetings and social events. This isolation can impact your morale and make it harder to succeed.

What to do if you’re being managed out

If these signs hit close to home, your manager might be campaigning to let you go. Here’s what you need to do.

Stay calm and investigate

Reach out to your team leader and ask for feedback. Seek clarification about the signs you noticed and stay calm if you get vague, misleading or accusatory responses. If you become triggered, your ability to apply reason and logic can drop by 75 per cent, which increases the risk of you doing or saying something that harms your professional reputation.

Instead, leverage your communication skills to understand your manager’s new expectations. Soft skills, such as communication, can be more impactful than you might expect. Experts note that 85 per cent of an individual’s financial success is a result of personality and communication, negotiation and leadership capabilities.

Aim to understand concerns about your performance and identify ways to resolve them.

Document everything

Keep records of your team leader’s responses to your concerns and current tasks. Document feedback and communications with your teammates and management. Having records will support your case, if required.

Imposter syndrome is another concern when you’re getting managed out. The subtle nature of the quiet exit means you might not be receiving the same level of support or validation you’re used to, which can amplify self-doubt. To combat that, take stock of your past accomplishments to affirm your impact.

Build your network

A resume is not a sufficient career safety net in today’s job market. It must be reinforced by good connections, such as people who will vouch for you, offer their perspective and open opportunities.

You should also cultivate your internal connections within your company. Talk to your co-workers to gauge the team’s pulse. Are you the only one getting managed out, or are there others? Their answers will help you learn more about your situation and the best next steps.

Prioritise self-care

Dealing with a boss who is actively trying to convince you to leave comes with a lot of pressure and uncertainty. Dr Twanna Carter, a professional and personal coach, recommends focusing on your mental health to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Engage in activities that help you decompress. Set and uphold boundaries, especially if your team leader starts assigning you unattainable tasks to meet moving goalposts. 

Know your rights and company policies

Do you have contractual protections, or are you an at-will employee? The latter means the company can terminate you at any time for almost any reason.

You can confirm that by reviewing your offer letter. Check your company’s terms on termination, notice and severance as well. Review policies about performance management and disciplinary actions in your employee handbook.

Consider your options

If you want to stay despite your manager’s efforts to make you voluntarily resign, you can either upskill or request an internal transfer. However, if you feel like you’ve outgrown your job or would rather work in more conducive work environments, it might be time to start searching for new opportunities. Begin job searching and tapping your external connections.

Take control of your career path

The earlier you spot these signs of being managed out of your job, the more time you’ll have to prepare and make informed decisions. You’ll also be free of uncertainty once you understand your situation.

If you play your cards right, you could walk away with favourable job adjustments or better employment prospects.