I'm often asked about what can happen after you give two weeks notice to an employer. Employees wonder if the company is obligated to keep them on the payroll for the duration of their employment.

When a Company Can Fire You

In most cases, an employer can fire you or stop paying you after you give notice. That's because most employees are considered employed at will, which means that the company can terminate you at any time for no reason. Workers with employment contracts or covered by union agreements are generally protected in this situation, as are employees who have been discriminated against. Some state laws include exceptions to at-will employment policies, as well.