Quiet Firing. What it is and What to Do if it is happening to you!
- Anne Marie the AntiHR Lady
- Sep 7, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 3
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to consult with legal professionals for guidance on specific legal matters.
Results on engagements and online courses may vary, successful outcome is not guaranteed.
Quiet Firing: What It Is and What to Do If It’s Happening to You
Not all retaliation at work is loud and obvious. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Calculated. Subtle. And if you're a Black woman or a vocal employee who’s dared to speak up about workplace discrimination, you might already be experiencing it.
This is called quiet firing. And it’s one of the most insidious ways employers push employees out—without actually terminating them.
Let’s break down exactly what quiet firing is, how to spot it, and most importantly, what you can do to protect yourself.
What Is Quiet Firing?
Quiet firing refers to a passive-aggressive strategy employers use to make your work life so uncomfortable or unfulfilling that you eventually quit on your own. It’s a form of constructive discharge—and while it's not always illegal, it can become discriminatory or retaliatory depending on the circumstances.
It’s often used to avoid the legal risks that come with formal termination, severance, or unemployment claims. And it happens more than you think—especially to workers who speak up or no longer “fit” the company’s mold.
Signs You’re Being Quietly Fired
If you're reading this and thinking, “Something just feels off at work,” you might be right.
Here are some red flags:
You’re excluded from meetings, communications, or key decisions
Your responsibilities are reduced or reassigned without explanation
You suddenly stop receiving feedback or performance support
You’re being micromanaged, overly criticized, or unfairly evaluated
Raises, promotions, and development opportunities have dried up
Your manager avoids you—or is suddenly cold or distant
You feel isolated from your team or cut off from leadership
These aren’t just annoyances. These are tactics meant to wear you down, devalue your contributions, and make you leave on your own.
Why Quiet Firing Happens
Quiet firing is often used as a risk management strategy by companies that want to get rid of you but don’t want the legal, financial, or reputational consequences of firing you.
Here’s why it happens:
You filed a complaint (HR, EEOC, or internally)
You’ve spoken up about discrimination, bias, or unethical practices
You’re being replaced by someone the company prefers (often younger, whiter, or cheaper)
Your boss sees you as “difficult” for advocating for yourself or others
They’re creating a paper trail to justify future termination
In short: It’s about power. It’s about getting you to leave so they don’t have to be held accountable.
How Quiet Firing Impacts Black Women Disproportionately
If you're a Black woman, you already know that your presence in predominantly white spaces is often policed more harshly—and your voice is scrutinized more than your peers.
Quiet firing is just another way that workplace bias shows up.
Black women are disproportionately:
Labeled as “angry,” “aggressive,” or “hard to manage”
Left out of succession plans or stretch assignments
Pushed out when they become too vocal, too visible, or too excellent
Retaliated against for reporting discrimination or mistreatment
Quiet firing doesn’t just hurt your job—it chips away at your confidence, mental health, and economic security. That’s why it’s so important to document and respond strategically.
What to Do If You’re Being Quietly Fired
You are not powerless. And you are not crazy. Here’s what I recommend if you suspect quiet firing is happening to you:
1. Document Everything
Start keeping a detailed log of:
Exclusion from meetings or communications
Any changes to duties, projects, or performance standards
Negative or inappropriate comments from supervisors or colleagues
Missed raises, denied promotions, or withdrawal of opportunities
➡️ Use the AntiHR Documentation Journal to keep your notes organized and legally sound.
Document Everything:** Keep a detailed record of all relevant incidents, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. This documentation will be crucial if you need to make a case later. Grab my newly updated AntiHR Documentation Journal
Follow the included tips and explanatory terms that will help you better understand and identify Discrimination in your workplace and how to effectively document it.
2. Don’t React Emotionally
That’s what they’re hoping for. Stay calm, consistent, and professional in your communications. If you need help navigating this, consider joining my AntiHR Membership Community for guidance.
3. Know Your Rights
Quiet firing isn’t always illegal—but if it’s linked to discrimination, retaliation, or a hostile work environment, you may have legal recourse. Use the AntiHR Roadmap to Understanding Your Workplace Rights to learn more.
4. Get Strategic Support
This is what I do. If you need help creating a plan to protect yourself—or even exit with a severance package—book a discovery call with me and let’s talk strategy.
Tools to Help You Respond to Quiet Firing
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here are some other tools I’ve created to support you:
You’re Not Powerless – Get Help Now
Quiet firing is subtle. But it’s still real harm—to your career, your health, and your sense of self-worth.
Don’t let them gaslight you.
Don’t let them push you out without a fight.
You deserve to be protected and supported.
Whether you decide to document and stay, or negotiate your exit, you need a plan—and I can help you create one.
Grab the Replay of my Mastercourse,
“How to ask for an exit from a discriminatory hostile workplace with 💰 and actually get it”
In the class, I teach my tried-and-true method for documenting and articulating a discriminatory, hostile workplace to Human Resource staff in a manner most likely to result in your ability to exit via a negotiated separation with severance 💰💰💰
I share strategies, tactics, and practical tools and templates you can use to effectively document your workplace and then, most importantly, effectively communicate your concerns to HR in a manner most likely to result in your securing a negotiated separation with severance.
For more tips about navigating and escaping difficult HR situations:
Book a Discovery Call Here
Follow me on Social Media at @theantihrhrlady
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and check out my playlists!
Subscribe to my website for the latest updates and resources
Want to Thank me for this blog post?
Buy Me Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sannemarie
HR is not your enemy but they are definitely not your friend.
Comments