Your boss can terminate you without any reason at any time if you are an "at-will" employee, which the vast majority of workers are. An employer's right to fire you is limited if you are "for cause" employee. Among the most common reasons for firing are the following:

(1) failure to follow your boss's directions and supervision;

(2) an attendance problem;

(3) poor quality of work;

(4) incompetence;

(5) insubordination; and

(6) substance abuse (although some states require assistance with alcohol and drug abuse prior to termination since it is deemed to be an illness)

(Reviewed 9-08)