Project manager directs $2.5 million project for company, believes he will be fired when it's completed: 'Is there any leverage I have?'

Author image for Ally Perry
Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Mar 16, 2026 2:00 PM EDT

Few jobs are a sure thing in today's economy. A career for life is becoming less and less common, especially for those who do anything related to the world of corporate.

The reality is that, although it may be the negative view, it's often wise to be prepared for an unceremonious exit to whatever role you may currently have. Management can change, companies can go through rough patches, and jobs can simply outlive the usefulness they have for certain industries and corporations.

Advertisement
  • A young businessman puts his head in his hands while sitting at a desk with papers on it
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    A young businessman puts his head in his hands while sitting at a desk with papers on it

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • That being said, it is still a stressful experience to have a lingering suspicion that the job you rely on to make a living will not be around much longer. Most people want to make sure they have a plan before their role is suddenly no longer. Some may even hope that they have a fighting chance of convincing the powers that be that it is still worth employing them. It all depends on the context of the job. 

  • I suspect I will be laid off after delivery of a $2.5m dollar project I am solely responsible for. Is there anything I can do to protect myself?

    I work for a smaller company and for the last year I have been planning major upgrades to one of our industrial plants.
    via KronosTheDuster
  • I am the sole person in our projects department after my colleague was laid off last year
    via KronosTheDuster
  • The shutdown is starting next week and we plan to take 8weeks to install and commission the equipment.
    via KronosTheDuster
  • Currently I am the project manager, SME for the specialized equipment and ground floor supervisor of all the contractors an in house labour we are using to get this project across the line.
    via KronosTheDuster

  • When an industrial product manager heard a rumor that his position was in danger, he wanted to know if there was any way that he could prevent this layoff from happening. As the only person in his department currently managing a multi-million dollar project, he didn't see how operations could continue without him.

    There had been layoffs the previous year, so he was conscious that the company was not afraid of taking this kind of action. Still, he felt like he still had a purpose in the job he was doing currently.

  • I have gotten wind that it is possible that the board is aiming to dissolve my position entirely after this project is finished.
    via KronosTheDuster
  • Is there any leverage I may have before going completing this project to form a contract that benefits me if I am laid off or something of the sort?
    via KronosTheDuster
  • Currently in house we have no one who can take over the project. And I do not believe they want to delay the project any longer to try to get someone in who can.
    via KronosTheDuster
  • A businessman stands in an empty meeting room, using his phone
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    A businessman stands in an empty meeting room, using his phone

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • mockerinterviews sad reality is youre probably right. companies have figured out they can squeeze everything out of their essential people on big projects then cut them loose the second the project ships. seen this happen so many times - they keep you around just long enough to finish what they need then its restructuring time. protect yourself and start looking now before they make the decision for you
    via mockerinterviews
  • Kronos TheDuster Original Poster's Reply I was thinking about threatening to quit now. I dont need this job right now. So either they say okay and im gone or its possible they will ask me to stay to finish this project and I can negotiate a bonus at the end based on a metric I know will be an outcome of this projects success.
    via KronosTheDuster
  • DAWG13610 You can negotiate your exit. I'd ask for a major severance or you will leave before the project is finished. You hold the cards now, not when the project is finished.
    via DAWG13610
  • NeartAgusOnoir Immediately start looking for a job, and see about delaying the project "oh, having technical issues..".
    via NeartAgusOnoir
  • OkBody9843 Ask them what their plans are for you after the project. Is there a maintenance and operations team that you can join or lead? If they're installing equipment, they'll surely need someone to keep track of maintaining them. Plus things never run smooth after turnover and they'll need someone to coordinate with all the different contractors during the warranty period. You have those relationships already established with the contractors, make sure you leverage that. In the meantime, sta
    via OkBody9843
  • Aunt_Anne Now is the time to negotiate a "stay bonus". Be up front with got manager and tell them what you've heard. Mention that you've got to protect yourself and will have to start looking for a new job now unless they can provide an cushion to carry you through, contracted in writing. Know what you want to ask for. If you think it will take 6 months to find a comparable situation, then request a "stay bonus" equivalent to 6 months salary. Be sure the terms of the bonus are clearly defined, e
    via Aunt_Anne
  • wasnttmeee It's insane how businesses are allowed to toy with people's livelihood like this. What a garbage. country.
    via wasnttmeee
  • Various-Maybe Ugh, you are getting really childish responses here. First of all, no one knows whether laid off. You "got you are wind" that it is "possible." So what do you do with that information? Well, generally you would apply for another job. The only "leverage" you have in this situation is if you get another job you would actually leave for. Like what do you actually think will happen here? You'll go in, demand some contract to finish the work or you quit? How many times have you heard of
    via Various-Maybe
  • Heavy-Profit-2156 I'd start looking for another job. If a good one comes up and you have to chose between finishing the project and protecting yourself financially I know what I would pick if push came to shove. I wouldn't like to walk but I'm not going to do the 'right thing' and then promptly lad off if I need the income.
    via Heavy-Profit-2156
  • throwawayhogsfan Best time to put your resume out there was when your coworker got laid off, the second best time is today.
    via throwawayhogsfan
  • Ntfxn You were hired to do a job and it's coming to a close. Fulfill your contract and be looking for a new job.
    via Ntfxn

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

employee fired manager work coworkers project workplace
Scroll Down For The Next Article