Getting Dismissed From a Job

Dismissal from employment (also known as being “fired” or “let go”) is the termination of employment against the will of the employee.

Common Reasons for Dismissal

Dismissal can be due to issues with the employee’s performance, but it also may be due to factors outside the employee’s control, such as down-sizing, company restructuring, or the elimination of a position.

Some common reasons for dismissal include poor performance or incompetence, attendance problems, and insubordination and other behavioral problems.

Misconduct, or termination for cause, is another common reason for a dismissal. This is when employees are let go because of ethical issues, such as lying, falsifying information, stealing, or other major misconduct in the workplace.

At-Will Employment and the Legality of Dismissal

Employers are not required to provide a reason for dismissing an employee. This is because of at-will employment, which allows employers the freedom to dismiss employees, and employees to leave companies without providing notice.

However, dismissal is illegal if the employer fires an employee for discriminatory reasons or fires someone in retaliation (for being a whistleblower, for complaining, for refusing to commit an illegal act, etc.).

Unemployment and Benefits After Dismissal

Your ability to receive unemployment and other benefits after being dismissed may depend on the reasons provided for your dismissal, as well as your state. Find out more about how to collect unemployment if you are fired. Some companies may offer severance pay, particularly if the dismissal is due to company-related changes, such as restructuring.

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Also Known As: fired, let go

Read More:50+ Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Fired