Q: Ambushed! My boss called me in on Friday and walked me through the severance package. He assured me that it is generous and said that my last official day is July 15, then he added, “If you want you can pack up your office today.” Should I sign or get a lawyer?
A: We expect fireworks on July 4th but we don’t expect our job to be torpedoed! The word “ambushed” suggests that you are surprised to be fired/let go and I suspect that you are still reeling emotionally. Now is the time to keep your wits about you, your emotions in check and your feet on the ground. Ask yourself the following:
- When and how will you communicate the news to family, friends and colleagues? Note: Do not disparage your manager or firm. Be authentic and convey your feelings—“Naturally, I am upset” —and leave it at that. Remember that one of the people you are talking to may be the next one to offer you a position.
- Are you really surprised or did you ignore the “signals”? For example, first your ninety days ending, consolidation of departments, downturn in the market or an “out with the old and in with the new” attitude from a new leader?
- Is the language in your contract employment at-will? If yes, here are the hard facts:
Being an at-will employee means that your employer can terminate your employment at any time, for any cause—with or without notice. An employer has every right to walk up to an at-will employee and say, “I don’t like that your favorite color is purple. You’re fired.” There are very few, if any, remedies for you, unless your employer did something to violate your employee rights or broke labor law.
However, if you were wrongfully terminated you may have a case. Even so, it is important to think before you act: Do you have the financial resources to engage in what will almost 
almost certainly be a lengthy process? When and if you win your case will there be an impact on your career? Your reputation?
Finally, don’t make the mistake of dwelling in the past. Take a deep breath, dust yourself off and move forward. Good luck.