Are you about to get fired? 3 warning signs to watch out for and 5 ways to save your job, shares Ankur Warikoo

The tech world feels like a rollercoaster right now—layoffs hitting over 71,000 jobs in just a few months of 2026, teams shrinking overnight, and even "safe" roles feeling shaky. That knot in your stomach during Monday logins? It's real. Talking about the layoff season, entrepreneur-author Ankur Warikoo nailed it in his recent viral LinkedIn post: Spot the subtle shifts early, and you can pivot before pink slips arrive. Here we list the three warning signs one should watch out for and five ways to secure your job instead, as shared by him:

Ever notice your projects vanishing into thin air? Tasks reassigned without a word, key meetings skipping your calendar, or emails going unread? Warikoo calls this the quiet freeze-out—your visibility fades, signaling you're not in the inner circle anymore. It's not dramatic; it's deliberate distancing as bosses recalibrate roles.

In open-plan offices, it's subtle: You're the last looped in, or "others can handle it." Psychology backs it—exclusion triggers the same brain pain as physical hurt (per Eisenberger's fMRI work). Don't ignore; chat your manager: "Excited for X—how can I contribute?" If crickets, polish that resume.

Promotions stalled? Appraisals vague or delayed? If you manager avoids giving you new projects and your growth seems stalled, then it's a sign of worry. Warikoo flags this as disengagement gold—companies stop betting on your future when cuts loom. Silence screams louder than feedback.

It's demoralising, especially in growth-obsessed India Inc. Track it: No upskilling budget? Inconsistent check-ins? You're on the "manage out" list. Counter it by requesting clear goals quarterly. If stonewalled, it's a sign to start looking for side gigs.

Colleagues bail, no hires replace them, and suddenly you're juggling three roles? Add cost-cuts, RTO mandates, or frozen perks—Warikoo says it's structural surgery. Shrinking teams mean "do more with less," but really, it's prepping for deeper slashes.

Watch metrics: Headcount drops? Budget talks? It's not personal; it's math. In volatile sectors, this hits hard—protect by documenting overload.

Warikoo doesn't stop at doom-scrolling—he arms you with action. These steps build runway, turning anxiety into agency.
1. Build a financial buffer: Aim for 6-12 months' expenses in savings. Warikoo's math: It buys decision freedom—no panic accepts. Stash 20% paycheck; cut subscriptions. You'll sleep better knowing that atleast your rent is covered.

Track wins weekly—metrics, emails praising impact. Warikoo: It will save you in your interviews. In exits, it combats "underperformer" narratives. And if you stay, it fuels appraisals.

Most jobs are filled via referrals instead of social media posts. So, message your ex-colleagues, attend alumni meets and stay connected.

Where's the cash flowing or new hires being taken. Warikoo says it's directional radar. This can help you switch to the team where the company is planning to expand/ focussing more (if possible).

Speak up in meetings, share updates Slack-wide. Warikoo suggests: Instead of fading out, get noticed.