Why did my boss make this comment? Is he planning to fire me?

During an office dinner recently, my boss hinted that I should consider looking for a bigger challenge elsewhere. Am I being fired indirectly, or does my boss think am I too qualified for my current role? PHOTO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • Looking for a bigger challenge can mean a number of things. Your boss may be genuinely concerned about your career growth. He may have noticed key potential in you and hinting that your current role limits such potential.
  • This is a positive vibe as his main desire is to see you advance in your career.

Q.I am a PR officer working in a medium-sized firm based in Narok County.

During an office dinner recently, my boss hinted that I should consider looking for a bigger challenge elsewhere. Am I being fired indirectly, or does my boss think am I too qualified for my current role?

I can’t afford to lose this job before I have secured another one. Please guide me on what to do.

 

A lot gets said during informal office gatherings. Much of it is said to keep conversations going. Others seize the opportunity to settle old scores while some speak genuinely and mean every word they say.

You know your boss better, so perhaps you have reasons to interpret his/her comment the way you have. Your conclusion seems negative and yet this could be a defining moment in your career. I encourage you to continue the conversation with your boss and get more feedback before you make conclusions.

If you have a good working relationship with him, ask him to clarify his statement. Ask what skills and competencies you need to be ready for such a challenge. Ask if he has recommendations on places you could find such challenges.

Looking for a bigger challenge can mean a number of things. Your boss may be genuinely concerned about your career growth. He may have noticed key potential in you and hinting that your current role limits such potential. This is a positive vibe as his main desire is to see you advance in your career. If he has been supportive in your career, provided guidance and feedback, you could reflect on those moments and make the right conclusions about this comment.

That said, your career is in your hands, not your bosses’. I am sure you have career goals that you review often. Such goals will include your aspirations, your development plan towards that aspiration, how long you plan to be at one role, and when to seek a career move or change jobs.

Do not be intimidated by such comments. If it is not yet time to move, be sure to perform your job diligently to avoid giving him a reason to fire you. As a PR officer, you are still in the early stages of your profession, and I hope your plans are not to stay in that role for long.

You are smart to desire to move when you find a suitable role. Spread your search wider. Do not limit yourself to your county. It is a new year. Make bold career goals.