Quick answer: How can you get fired from a job? The most common reasons are poor performance, attendance problems, insubordination, theft or dishonesty, policy violations, and misconduct such as harassment. In most US states, at-will employment also means you can be fired for no reason at all, but never for an illegal one, like discrimination or retaliation.
Nobody plans to get fired. But knowing the usual triggers is like knowing where the potholes are on your commute: you can steer around most of them.
This guide covers the reasons for getting fired, what "at-will" means, and what you legally can't be fired for. If you're already worried, start with the signs you're about to be fired instead.
How Can You Get Fired From a Job? 10 Common Reasons
1. Poor performance
Career sites most often rank this first: missed deadlines, repeated mistakes, and not meeting the role's standards. Usually there's feedback first, sometimes a performance improvement plan (PIP).
2. Attendance and lateness
Chronic tardiness, no-call no-shows, and taking unapproved time off during busy periods all add up. Your manager notices, even if they've never said a word. (Especially if they've never said a word.)
3. Insubordination
Refusing reasonable instructions or being openly combative with a supervisor is a fast route out. The big exception: refusing to do something illegal, which is often protected by whistleblower laws.
4. Theft and misuse of company property
It doesn't have to be a laptop. Petty cash, "borrowed" supplies, and padded expense reports all count.
5. Dishonesty and falsified records
Lying on your application, faking timesheets, or forging documents can get you fired even years later, if it comes to light.
6. Policy violations
Ignoring safety rules, security procedures, or your handbook's code of conduct. The rules can be boring; breaking them is not.
7. Harassment and serious misconduct
Harassment, violence, threats, and fraud are typically zero-tolerance offenses.
8. Substance use on the job
Being impaired at work is a common fireable offense, especially in safety-sensitive roles.
9. Personal use of company time and equipment
Hours of streaming on a work laptop, or running a side business on company time, can cost you the main job.
10. Social media posts
Leaking confidential information or posting something offensive can lead to termination, though context matters (more below).
Reasons That Aren't Really About You
Not every firing is a verdict on your work. People also lose jobs because of:
- Restructuring and layoffs, where whole roles or teams are cut
- Poor "fit" or personality clashes with a manager or team
- Being invisible: quietly excellent work that nobody upstairs knows about
- Office politics, including being blamed for someone else's mistake
You can't control all of this, but making your results visible helps. Share wins in one-on-ones and keep a running list of accomplishments for reviews and your next resume.
Can You Get Fired for No Reason?
Usually, yes. Most US jobs are at-will employment, meaning either you or your employer can end the relationship at any time, with or without a reason, and often without notice.
But "no reason" is not the same as "any reason." At-will employment has limits:
- Contracts and union agreements can require a valid reason (often called "just cause") or a specific process.
- State law adds its own exceptions. Rules vary by state, so check your state labor department.
- Federal law blocks firings for certain illegal reasons, listed next.
What You Can't Be Fired For
(Switches to serious face.) According to the EEOC (as of 2026), it's illegal for covered employers to fire you because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and transgender status), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. It's also illegal to retaliate against you for complaining about discrimination or taking part in an investigation.
Other federal protections include:
- Talking about pay and working conditions. The NLRB says employers can't discharge or discipline you for discussing wages, benefits, or working conditions with coworkers. That protection can be lost for statements that are maliciously false or egregiously offensive.
- Protected medical and family leave. Under the FMLA, eligible employees can take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for qualifying reasons.
- Whistleblowing, and filing complaints under laws enforced by the Department of Labor.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you think you were fired illegally, talk to an employment attorney or your state labor agency.
How to Avoid Getting Fired
- Clarify expectations. Ask your manager what "great" looks like.
- Act on feedback and follow up in writing.
- Be reliable. Show up on time and flag problems early.
- Know your handbook, especially attendance, conduct, and social media policies.
- Keep work devices for work. Your browser history is not as private as you hope.
And if it happens anyway, here's what to do after getting fired, plus how to explain employment gaps later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one reason people get fired?
Poor performance is most often ranked first by career and HR sites. Attendance problems and misconduct usually follow close behind.
Can you get fired without a warning?
In an at-will job, generally yes. Many employers give warnings first, but that's typically policy, not a legal requirement, unless a contract or union agreement requires a process.
Can you get fired for being sick?
It depends. Eligible employees may be protected by the FMLA for serious health conditions, and disability-related firings can be illegal. Outside those protections, and depending on your state, attendance rules may still apply, so check your state's laws.
Can you get fired for talking about your salary?
For most private-sector employees, no. The NLRB says discussing wages and working conditions with coworkers is protected concerted activity. Coverage has limits, so check how the rules apply to your role.
Can you get fired for a social media post?
Sometimes. Leaking confidential information or posting threats can get you fired. Posts discussing working conditions with coworkers may be protected, but details matter.
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