Some states prohibit discrimination against employees for participating in legal activities outside of work hours. See for more information on at will employment. A reason could be illegal if, for example, it is discriminatory or is prohibited by state law. If the reason is not illegal, it is valid. Generally, an employer may fire you at-will unless there’s a relevant state law or you are a union or governmental employee owed special protection from firing without reason.Īt-will employment is when an employer – and employee – may terminate employment at any time for nearly any reason and without notice. The answer to this is a favorite of lawyers: “It depends.” It depends on the activity involved, whether it has any connection to the job, and on whether it is protected by any applicable state law.