1. You got a bad performance review. It is most likely that your employer is thinking about cutting you should you not show improvement on your job very soon. But a bad review that is not true is an indication that your job is in jeopardy. It might be your employer’s tool to unofficially warn you that he is about to push you out of the door. Do everything you can to improve on your job. But start to consider other options too. Maybe the bad review is also about something bigger.
2. Your employer takes away some of your important functions. Your job is defined by your most critical functions. These functions justify your monthly paycheck. But if one or two of these functions are removed from without cutting your pay or changing your title, it might be that your employer is losing his confidence on your ability to deliver these functions or that someone else in your organization can perform your functions better. Unless your employer replaces those functions with something better,it may be best to assume a worse scenario.
3. Your company was involved in a buyout. In most cases, the employees of a bought out company lose their jobs. This may not happen too soon but this is just to show you that the ax is still being sharpened. You should not be calmed by your employer's assurance that your job is safe. Most companies forge mergers because of economies of scale. Merging operations is one of the best ways to eliminate excess personnel from both companies.
4. You seem to fall out of regular rotation. If there are lots of private conversations and closed door meetings going on and you are not involved, something bad might be going on. This is especially true if you have been a major player prior to these things.
5. You have been moved to a new job you did not ask for. This might be a hint for you to leave your job. If you have been in your company for quite a while, your employer might be engineering for you to resign voluntarily. If the movement seems good for you even though you did not ask for it, discuss the matter with your superiors and express your appreciation for the transition.
6. Your company is losing a lot of money. Most companies cannot survive staying in business for long while being on the red. Your company might be thinking of cutting on some expenses and laying off some employees one of the actions that would save a lot of money. This is a red flag but there is no cause for you to panic. Use the time to prepare to move out with grace.