What are some common “causes” for being fired?
A. A manager can terminate an employee without any reason at any time if they are “at-will” employees, which the vast majority of workers are (see Question 4). An employer’s right to fire an employee is limited if they are “for cause” employees. Among the most common reasons for firing are the following: (1) failure to follow the 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).
