Youve probably noticed that job security isnt a big thing in our society.
Most people who work in America are whats called at-will employees.
If youre an employee, your employer can fire you whenever they want, for any reason they want.
If youre an employer, your workers can quit whenever they want and go get a job somewhere else.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Exceptions to At-Will Employment
There are exceptions, though.
Not every worker is an at-will employee.
Also, there are certain circumstances in which a company cant fire an at-will employee.
Lets go through those exceptions one by one.
Even if youre an at-will employee, you cant be fired for an illegal reason.
State and federal law forbid this kind of thing.
That way, the firing will be more likely to stand up in court.
You have more rights, as spelled out in your unions agreement with your employer.
Also, many law enforcement officers and firefighters are members of unions and are protected by collective bargaining agreements.
That doesnt mean you cant be fired.
Your employment contract most likely includes the reasons for which you’re able to be fired.
Implied Contract Exception
This is trickier.
It can be awfully difficult to prove this in court, though.
Most states, but not all, have an implied contract exemption.
Makes your eyes cross, doesnt it?
What does it mean?
In Conclusion
Most workers in the United States are at-will employees.
Its simply a fact of life.
It works both ways, too.
If youre ready to leave your job, start browsing through job listings on popular job boards likeZipRecruiter.
In the meantime, keep in mind that your current employer can always fire you if they want to.
Its best to give them reasons to keep you around.
Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
