To ask if you've ever lost your job or been demoted because you were average but not great?

[notaurewhatusername]

I've been thinking a lot lately about the concept of being "average" at work and how that might affect job security. I'm curious to know if anyone here has ever experienced this firsthand.

Have you ever lost your job or been demoted not because you were bad at it, but because you were considered just "average" or not exceptional enough?

If so, what kind of job was it, and why do you think the decision was made? Did you agree with it?

The reason I’m posting this is because someone close to me is in this position right now, and they’re really worried. I’m not quite sure how to reassure them, or even if it’s possible.

I guess it all depends on how secure their contract is and what they are hearing at their performance reviews. But, from the little you have said there does not seem to be much cause for concern.

You can't be managed out easily via performance reviews if you are average, as that implies meeting but not exceeding your role's targets. However you could end up being selected for redundancy against someone who is faster or more confident etc.

It seems to be a fairly safe position in a lot of companies so long as you're reliable and not too worried about payrises of promotions. It is risky if you need to change jobs later though

THIS.

Ok thanks, this is helpful. I guess redundancy is a possible but had other implications for the company and the person in question

They might be doing themselves a disservice by downplaying their skills. Technically, the majority of us are average workers - when you offset the things we are good at against thr things we aren't so good at it, it balances out and makes us average. i work in HR and i frequently hear from staff 'i'm great at my job/i work harder than everyone else etc'. Not saying they aren't, but nobody is irreplaceable.

@purpledagger I see what you mean. I guess as other people pointed out, if they are meeting the expectations of the role then unless it's redundancy they should be ok

Hey - average is totally okay. Not knowing the industry/context I wouldn’t say at risk of losing job cause of that. In my company we always emphasise that average is good - ie it’s a demanding environment with lots of excellent people.
Also in my experience, ALL team members have strengths and weaknesses - and also, very strong performers are often just about to get promoted and leave!

Most workers will be 'average' workers, to me that just means they do the job they were hired to do and that is fine.

Many companies don't promote/give pay rises these days, no matter how good you are, so there is little incentive to do more if there is no reward at the end of it.

I took on some extra responsibilities for a year then went to my manager and asked her to update my job title to reflect what I was actually doing and that was refused. Also no option to negotiate an individual pay rise. Yet they still expect me to do the extra duties...

So now I don't have any motivation to 'go the extra mile' anymore and I am looking at new jobs.

Other companies have been more receptive in term of promotion/pay rise in the past and I did my best for them.

Some of the most senior people I know are distinctly average but very confident or great at networking etc. But confidence makes up so much. I've sat back and watched people just claim credit or misrepresent information to their favour - women and men. In the end you have to laugh (although not to the degree you'll lose your job). I simply cannot do it, it's not a skill I possess.