From the moment you are born and you take your first breath, you begin to die.

Its just a fact of life. And to illustrate another truth: From the day you are hired by a company, you move closer to the day you will move on. This is either a natural occurrence or a purposeful severing of ties.

Statistics show that the average person will hold at least ten to twelve different jobs in what would nonetheless be seen as an illustrious career. Moving from one job to the other is a natural progression, each job or situation representing a stepping stone to the next. The bottom line is that staying in one job for your entire career is not to be expected.

Having said that, we can look at being let go as a positive experience. It is a way of moving along your career in a very decisive way. There are many reasons for moving on such as being downsized or terminated. Regardless of the reason, being free to make a new career move is a positive condition which leads you to your next step.

So what are the signs that you are about to be terminated? It can be any one or a number of the following:

A subordinate is beginning to ask you questions about your responsibilities

Your boss is displaying an increased micromanagement style toward you

Some of your responsibilities are being taken away from you

Your next performance review is rescheduled to an earlier date

In meetings with your boss, you realize he is taking more notes than usual

You receive more written and less oral feedback about your performance

You havent received a raise in a longer amount of time than usual

You realize your boss is observing you more than usual

Your company is going through a downsizing

When you begin to see signs that you are on the cutting block, rather than begin an emotional reaction that doesnt serve you, see it for what it is. It is time to move on. Your next step awaits you. Begin to explore your career options. Dont wait until the axe comes down. Be proactive and determine your best next steps. Then, when you are let go, it can be cause for celebration. You have successfully completed this phase of your career, and now its on to the next. It is a natural progression. It is purposeful. You are exactly where you need to be. You are on your way to the next successful phase of your career, and life.

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