I Just Got Fired – Take a Deep Breath
The first thing to do is to be calm. Take a deep breath and take your time. Listen carefully to the reason your employer is providing for letting you go. Keep it professional, this will help you get a positive employment reference or continue your relationship with work colleagues or supervisors who may be able to help you get a new job.
The next thing to know is that you are not alone since well over a million and a half people find themselves without a job each month.[1] Part of the reason why such a large number of employees lose their jobs is because most people are “at will” employees. This means that your employer can fire you for any reason or no reason at all as long as it is not an illegal reason. Examples of illegal reasons are employment discrimination (based on legally-protected categories) or if you acted as a whistleblower.
If you believe that your employment was terminated for an illegal reason, you should absolutely schedule a free consultation with an employment lawyer.
I Just Got Fired – But What About My Employment Contract?
Unless your employment contract specifies a particular period of time that the employer guarantees you will work there, the employment contract likely just sets rules that apply to your employment. For example, the employment agreement may have a confidentiality provision requiring that you not share information you learned during the course of your employment and that you return certain work materials and equipment. Or, the agreement may prevent you from trying to lure company employees away. Such a contract may also have a non-disparagement provision to prevent you from saying negative things about your employer and the people who work there. This also means you should refrain from posting unflattering things about your employer on social media.
I Just Got Fired – And My Employer Didn’t Give Me Any Severance
Severance is not required. Some employers will offer employees severance payments if they have a specific plan or policy in place or if they want to have the employee agree to a “release.” A release is an agreement into which you enter to say that you will not sue your employer for any reason. This is an important right that you are giving away, so you want to understand exactly what it means. On the other hand, depending on an employer’s policies, you may be entitled to receive payment for unused time off. And, in New York, you are entitled to your last paycheck on the next scheduled pay date.
We specialize in negotiating severance agreements. If you have been (or would like to be) offered severance, contact us today for a free consultation.
I Just Got Fired – It Was Unfair, Can You Help?
There are many issues that arise when your employment ends unexpectedly. If you would like to discuss your situation with us, please feel free to call or email us at any time. You will be on the phone with an attorney within 24 hours.
[1] https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/jolts.pdf; https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.t05.htm