No, You’re Not Being Wrongfully Terminated—You’re Just Wrong

Ah yes, another day, another employee convinced that HR is violating their “rights” by holding them accountable for their deeply questionable workplace behavior.

Let’s set the scene: HR calls you in for a chat. You’ve been late 9 out of the last 10 days, you swore at your manager in a meeting, and your idea of “team collaboration” is blaming everyone else for your mistakes. And when we start the conversation with “we need to talk about your conduct,” your immediate response is: “If you fire me, I’ll sue for wrongful termination.”

Cue the internal HR scream.

Let’s get one thing straight: it’s not wrongful termination if your behavior is the thing that’s wrong.

You don’t get immunity just because you shout “lawsuit” louder than you shout at your coworkers. HR isn’t scared of your cousin who once took a business law class, or your late-night Googling that said you can’t be fired without “a warning in triplicate and a notarized apology.” (Sad truth: The internet isn't always right.)

Here’s what we wish we could say out loud (but instead have to package in neutral HR language and a politely worded exit letter):

1. You’re Not Being Targeted—You’re Being Documented.

That paper trail isn’t a conspiracy. It’s what happens when you consistently ignore expectations, behave badly, and think the rules don’t apply to you.

2. Accountability ≠ Discrimination.

You weren’t disciplined because of your identity, your beliefs, or your haircut. You were disciplined because you acted like a walking HR case study.

3. Being “Passionate” Is Not an Excuse for Being a Jerk.

We love passionate employees. But if your passion comes with yelling, bullying, or throwing tantrums, it’s not passion—it’s a problem.

4. You Can’t Lawyer Your Way Out of Bad Behavior.

Threatening a lawsuit doesn’t erase your actions. It just adds another bullet point to your file labeled “escalating unnecessarily.”

5. You’re Not Fired for One Mistake—You’re Fired for a Pattern.

This isn’t about that one time. It’s about the fifth time, the ignored feedback, and the refusal to change. Spoiler: employers can fire you for that (and a whole lot more).

Final word? If HR is sitting you down for “the talk,” it’s not because we woke up craving chaos—it’s because you brought it to our door. Seriously, we'd rather being doing a hundred other things.

So no, it’s not wrongful termination. It’s just regular ol’ consequences. And honestly? They’ve been a long time coming.