5 min read

What to Do the Day You're Fired

The hours after a termination are legally important. What you say, sign, and save can affect your case.

Don't sign anything on the spot

Employers sometimes present severance agreements at the termination meeting. You are not required to sign immediately. Ask for time to review. If you're over 40, you're legally entitled to 21 days. Even if you're not, it's reasonable to ask — and smart to wait.

Preserve what you can, immediately

Your access to work email, Slack, and internal systems is often cut off within minutes or hours. Before that happens — or right after, from anything you already saved — write down key dates, names, and what was said in the termination meeting. Screenshots and personal copies of relevant messages saved before termination are fair game.

What not to say

Avoid signing any document that says you resigned voluntarily if you didn't. Don't agree that the termination was "for cause" if you believe otherwise. What you say and acknowledge in the room can be used later.

File for unemployment right away

Being fired — even if your employer disputes the reason — doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. File promptly. You can contest any denial.

Red flags to watch for

Termination happened shortly after a complaint, leave request, or accommodation request
You were replaced by someone outside your protected class
HR gave shifting or inconsistent reasons for the firing
You were pressured to resign rather than being formally terminated
You were fired while on FMLA or disability leave

Next up

Arbitration Agreements