Skip to main content

[NJ] [NJ] A company let me go after 2 months of employment because of poor work performance, but I think it was retaliatory. What can I do?

A company let me go after 2 months of employment because of poor work performance, which is not true. I called them out on the lack they had for years. I interviewed for a full-time employment yet they hired me as temp, forcing me to leave my previous employment. Now I’m jobless.

18

6

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

40,904 satisfied customers

View context
Solved

in New Jersey, employment is “at-will.” This means that employers can generally terminate employment for any reason — as long as it’s not discriminatory or retaliatory.

That said, there are exceptions and potential legal options:

1. Breach of Contract:

If you had a written or implied contract and the company did not follow its terms (for example, if they promised full-time employment but terminated you under false pretenses), that can be actionable in court.

2. Misrepresentation:

If they misled you during the hiring process — such as promising full-time employment to get you to leave your previous job — you may have a claim for fraudulent misrepresentation.

3. Discrimination:

If your termination was actually based on something protected like race, age, gender, disability, or religion, that would be illegal under federal and state law. (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act)

You could file a complaint with the EEOC.

0

Breach of Contract Demand Letter

Full Conversation


A company let me go after 2 months of employment because of poor work performance, which is not true. I called them out on the lack they had for years. I interviewed for a full-time employment yet they hired me as temp, forcing me to leave my previous employment. Now I’m jobless.

Lexi

Lexi, Chatbot

I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Were you given any performance reviews or warnings before being let go?

No warning and no performance issues.

Lexi

Lexi, Chatbot

Did you have any written documentation or evidence of the promises made during the interview process for full-time employment?

The offer said the first 3 months is an introductory period to see how I like the job with my supervisor.

Lexi

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the employment lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with wrongful termination.

No.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Hi there! My name is Liz, and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade. I’m here to assist with your legal concerns. So I can best help — in what state do you work?

New Jersey.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

in New Jersey, employment is “at-will.” This means that employers can generally terminate employment for any reason — as long as it’s not discriminatory or retaliatory.

That said, there are exceptions and potential legal options:

1. Breach of Contract:

If you had a written or implied contract and the company did not follow its terms (for example, if they promised full-time employment but terminated you under false pretenses), that can be actionable in court.

2. Misrepresentation:

If they misled you during the hiring process — such as promising full-time employment to get you to leave your previous job — you may have a claim for fraudulent misrepresentation.

3. Discrimination:

If your termination was actually based on something protected like race, age, gender, disability, or religion, that would be illegal under federal and state law. (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act)

You could file a complaint with the EEOC.

Yes, after the offer they said temp-to-hire, and I said I’m not leaving my current job for a temp job. That’s when things changed, and they said okay, full-time — yet the first 3 months is introductory to see if I would like to stay.

I have another question for the current job I’m with. I am on suspension with base (very low) pay pending investigation for harassment that occurred at the workplace. I’m currently seeking therapy.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Apologies — what kind of harassment occurred?

Sexual/flirting — touching my hair, flirting, and then when I showed no interest, he put on my high heels to show co-workers he’s taller than me. I took my shoes off because they were hurting me.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

I am so sorry — that behavior falls under sexual harassment, which is illegal. You can file a complaint with the EEOC for harassment and a hostile work environment.

Okay. I am being retaliated against and suspended — and not him.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

I’m so sorry. Do you wish to file suit against them?

Yes, can I?

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Yes, it’s possible — but first, you must file with the EEOC. They will investigate and, if appropriate, issue you a “Right to Sue” letter, which gives you the legal clearance to pursue your case in federal or state court.

You may also choose to go through EEOC mediation if you prefer an alternative to immediate litigation.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

40,904 satisfied customers

Elizabeth
Welcome! Have a similar question?

5 lawyers online now

Disclaimer


By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.

The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.

Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.

Ask a Lawyer Logo
Ask a Lawyer Logo
Intake Questions
Step of 3
Loading...
Loading...

How do you like to pay?

By proceeding with payment, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. You authorize us to charge $ today and $ thereafter until canceled. You may cancel anytime in the My Account section to stop future charges.

Total Due:

After purchasing, your chat will begin with an attorney.

By proceeding with payment, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. You authorize us to charge $ today and $ thereafter until canceled. You may cancel anytime in the My Account section to stop future charges.

Total Due:

After purchasing, your chat will begin with an attorney.

It looks like you already have an account with Ask a Lawyer.

We have sent you a magic link to . Click the link in your email to sign in and continue your chat.

spin

Step of 6 •

You'll receive an email at as soon as the lawyer joins the conversation 🙏🏻😊

Over 90% of lawyers connect within 5 minutes. If you're not online at that moment, don't worry — the lawyer will reply to your message while you're away.

You're also welcome to stay in the chat while waiting to be connected 💬✨

Waiting for lawyer