- June 30, 2024
- Thomas Adam
- Bankruptcy
Going through financial problems can be stressful and challenging. You may want to file bankruptcy but are unsure whether taking this action will impact your current or future employment. Bankruptcy is a personal choice and one that should not cause problems at work or make it difficult to get a job. Generally, bankruptcy is not made public, and therefore, it should not impact your career.
Will My Employer Demote Me Because of Bankruptcy?
The law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees for a number of reasons. Discrimination is not acceptable. If your employer demotes you or takes any other actions that are discriminatory, you might be able to take legal action against them. This includes such things as passing you by for a promotion. Your employer should not use bankruptcy when considering things such as job assignments or raises.
Can My Employer Fire Me Because of Bankruptcy?
An employer cannot fire you just because you filed for bankruptcy. However, in some states, including Florida, employment is “at-will.” This means that an employer may terminate an employee at any time and without any specific reason as long as they do not do so wrongfully. This holds true unless you have a contract that supersedes this general rule. You need to make sure that you do not allow your bankruptcy to get in the way of work. It is best to discuss your bankruptcy issues at home and not at the office.
Will Bankruptcy Impact My Ability to Get a Job in the Future?
When you sit down for a job interview you will not need to inform them of a prior bankruptcy. Your personal finances should not influence an employer when making hiring decisions. However, it is important to note that bankruptcy will typically appear on a background check, which many employers utilize prior to hiring. Still, this information should not impact your ability to get hired. If the job you are seeking is related to finances, such as a financial consultant, the fact that you filed personal bankruptcy might impact your future employment in that field.
Can I Get a Professional License After Bankruptcy?
A professional license is necessary for many varied types of jobs. Some professional licenses require you to report bankruptcy. This typically holds true for financial positions, but can also be true for other jobs. If you fail to report bankruptcy when required, you could face a suspension or even revocation of your professional license. Therefore, you should always be aware of the requirements of your license and abide by all the terms and provisions necessary. Even if you must report bankruptcy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have any repercussions. But, if you are required to have a current license and you do not, your employer may have no choice except to terminate your employment.
In all but rare exceptions, bankruptcy will not impact your current job nor harm your chances for employment in the future. In fact, bankruptcy often shows others that you took responsibility for your financial problems and took steps to resolve them. To learn more about bankruptcy, contact Adam Law Group at (904) 351-0743 to request a consultation.