Wrongful termination?

What exactly qualifies "wrongful termination"? In August, I left my job of nearly two years to work for my father's company. Two weeks after I began working for my father, he left the house - and walked out on my mother, sister and myself (20 years old, full time student) This caused quite a strain on the relationship at work, as I tried not to bring the home into the office. My father had a more difficult time with that and was constantly asking "home" questions. The sunday after a rather awkward Thanksgiving, I received an e-mail from my father... in which he fired me. On Monday when I came into the office we had a long discussion, in which he admitted to firing me for mainly personal reasons. There are more details to the story, but from this, do you think that I would have a case against my former employer?

1 answer  |  asked Jan 15, 2005 01:33 AM [EST]  |  applies to California

Answers (1)

Janet M. Koehn
the meaning of "at will"

california is an "at will" employment state. that means, absent a contract to the contrary, that the employer can fire you, and you can quit, for no reason whatsoever. unless the reason for termination is otherwise illegal (such as for whistleblowing, to avoid obligations imposed by law, or in retaliation for protected activity), you can be fired.

your father fired you "for mainly personal reasons". he has every right to do so. unfortunately, you have no recourse. fortunately, you found out quickly that it is not a good idea to be employed in a family situation without clearly defined responsibilities, benefits, and expectations, and without thinking out what will happen if things don't work out as expected. it's kind of like marriage.
good luck
janet m. koehn

posted by Janet M. Koehn  |  Jan 15, 2005 9:34 PM [EST]

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