At-Will vs. Protected Status
Most employment is "at-will," meaning you can be fired for any reason—or no reason—unless an exception applies.
Exceptions to At-Will
- Discrimination: Race, sex, age, religion, disability, and other protected characteristics
- Retaliation: Fired for complaining about harassment, discrimination, or illegal conduct
- Contract: Employment agreement or union contract limits termination
What to Do
Document everything. Preserve emails, performance reviews, and notes. File an EEOC or state agency complaint within the deadline. Consult an employment attorney early.
Deadlines for filing claims are short—don't wait.