You may feel that you were wrongfully terminated from your job. And you may be correct. You can’t be fired for being a whistleblower (filing a compliant about a company’s illegal activities), or for not being willing to commit an illegal act for an employer.You can’t be fired for discriminatory actions — for example, because of your race, nationality, religion, gender, or age.
However, if you are an executive in an “at will” employment state, you can be fired without the company having to provide a reason. (Except you cannot be fired for unlawful discrimination, such as if you’re pregnant.)
Some experts estimate that 250,000 people are illegally or unjustly fired each year. If you successfully sue your previous employer, you may be able to recover lost wages or other damages. You may even get your old job back. But litigation can be costly, and even if you win your old job back, it may be an uncomfortable situation to come to work each day.
Many executives have employment contracts so be sure to carefully read all the terms and conditions of employment before considering a lawsuit. State-specific laws apply, so consult an employment attorney in your city or state for specific guidance. Many offer brief “no charge” consultations.
Whatever action you decide to take, remember that your attitude is key. Keeping a positive attitude no matter what the circumstances will help you while looking for a new position. Employers want to hire positive people, and co-workers want to work with executives that have a positive outlook.