Legally, can I be fired because I am looking for another job?
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Legally, can I be fired because I am looking for another job?
I was employed for almost 2 years at a non-profit. This non-profit does not have benefits for their employees. I started looking for another job that had benefits. I informed my employer that I was looking and that they may call her for a reference. I also told her if I did find something, I would give her my 2 weeks notice. However, she fired me after 2 weeks. I never gave her my 2 week notice because I have not found another job.
Asked on October 13, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, Colorado
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
You can be filed for this reason, any reason or no reason at all, with or without notice. The fact is that most employment relationships are what is known as "at will". This means that an employer can set the terms and conditions of employment much as it sees fit this includes who to fire, when and why.
So unless that you were protected by the terms of an employment contract, union agreement or company policy, or your treatment was due to some form of actionable discrimination or retaliation, your termination was not illegal.
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