and disappearing in the afternoons (probably for a job interview), then maybe they're worried about their own job too. 7. Justifying your role You're asked to write a report on what you do and your boss, who has been previously supportive, now seems to increasingly find fault. Are they trying to justify your exit? 8. Sidelining At meetings you sense there has been a pre-meeting to which you weren't invited and all the agreements have already been made without you. Classic sidelining! 9. The "ringer" recruit A new member of staff joins your team. Your manager seems curiously vague about what they will be doing but wants you to show them around and shadow you for a while. A helpful addition to the team -- or your replacement? 10. Handover procedures You are asked to write a procedures manual so that while you are on holiday or "just in case you fall under a bus", someone else will be able to take over. If this happens alongside the "ringer recruit", they have your replacement ready. Comments This is an excellent piece with really sound advice some of which I was already putting into practice but there's stuff here that I hadn't thought of. I am a suddenly redundant public servant so I identify with a lot of the problems described here. I've started a blog to share my highs and lows and to give folks a space to share how they're doing as job cuts mount. I'm trying to keep