I just got fired. What can I do now?

[Sarah R]

I am in such shock. I worked in the hospitality industry and always showed up early for shifts and worked really hard to do whatever the manager asked of me. And they just call me up, dont even do it in person, and say "your services will no longer be needed" and claimed to have been advised by higher-ups. Am I not entitled to a reason? And isnt there like a notice period of how much longer I get to work? I am so confused and just in such shock now. I mean, I only worked there for 7-8 months but it felt like much longer and I got really close to all the staff and I just cant believe this happened.

[?LeNore?]

File for unemployment.

[MJ Vashti]

You should be given a reason, but unfortunatly most places are entitled to not give you one. My company fired a woman for being pregnant basically (she had a Dr.'s note not to be around chemicals which we are all day, so they fired her anyways.) The logic I think is it's their company, they hired you, so your status is theirs, not yours. I'm sure they would have fired you on the spot if you gave a 2 week's notice. The only thing that the law makes them be sensible to is handicapped employees.

[Sweetness]

File for unemployment. If they won't tell YOU why, they have to tell job services why!! You'll either get benefits, or you'll find out there was a legit reason, and have to start looking for something else.

[Kittymommy]

Yes you could speak with the HR (Human resourses) Manager to get a little more insight on why you were fired. You can also contest your termination, which means you can fight for your job back.. but the chances of you getting it back are very slim... and You don't want to work for those jerks anyway!

As far as giving you notice... Nope! Once you are fired, then that is it. They are not entitled to give you any notice, they have no obligation to you...sorry.

Good luck, You will find a better job!!

[Close to the edge]

Depends what state you live in, but most employers can fire you for not reason just as you can quit for no reason. We don't have many unions around to fight for our rights in the workplace as we did years ago.
You do have the right to know the reason why. If it was due to 'down-sizing' or if it was something to do with the way you performed your work. I would apply for unemployement though, as they will contact the employer to find out why your were let go.
It's a hard, cruel world out there....you can be an idea employee but if you are disliked by someone in power, they can whisk you away in a split second.

[American Venus]

It depends on what state you are in. Most states are considered "at will" which means that either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any reason. However, it does not mean you do not have recourse. If it was for a discriminatory reason (and provided you are in a protected class), and you really feel you are a good employee, receiving commendations from customers, co-workers and/or superiors, you can complain to the EEOC, which will investigate.

You can talk to the HR person, but you will probably not get much information.

Were you the newest one hired? Sometimes the newbie is the first to go if you are a victim of downsizing.

File for unemployment compensation. You may be eligible for further training.

Good luck.

[cheyenne]

I would think that you would be entitled for a reason, especially if you plan to file for Unemployment benefits. It sounds to me as though they are reducing staff due to budget cuts though, in this economy.