Be prepared because in many states they can. Some states are " employed at will " or "right to work" states, sometimes nicknamed "right to fire" states by employees, which means they can let you go from the company without a reason. In some cases, they may ask you to voluntarily leave so they can avoid paying unemployment. You may be protected if you have an employment contract or are part of a union. You may also experience leniency if you are considered a protected class. Some states may override a company's "at will" policies. However, be prepared to leave your company after you submit your notice just in case. It is recommended that you should be ready to be escorted out of the building. Make sure you discreetly remove personal information from your company-owned computers and devices before handing in your notice. They may not fire you instantly, but it is best to be prepared. Many companies are perfectly fine with allowing you to work until your quit date without issues. If serious problems arise you may benefit from consulting with an employment attorney .