At-Will Employment: Exceptions That Protect You

At-will employment means either party can end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with no notice required. However, there are important exceptions: (1) Discrimination — you cannot be fired for a protected characteristic.

(2) Retaliation — you cannot be fired for exercising a legal right. (3) Implied contracts — employee handbooks promising progressive discipline may create contractual obligations.

(4) Public policy — you cannot be fired for refusing to commit a crime or for serving on jury duty. (5) Covenant of good faith — some states recognize this..