Legal Question in Employment Law in California

The real issue is whether the employer is trying to fire you for a reason prohibited by law. It is important to understand that most employers can fire "at-will", which means they can terminate employment for any reason or no reason, including unfair reasons. But they cannot fire employees in breach of an employment contract that requires good cause, or for unlawful reasons, in violation of statute.

You mention retaliation over an issue that is not quite clear. All that can be said here, is if it can be proven that this employer does fire you in retaliation for an activity that is protected by law, and you can prove it, you may have the basis for a wrongful termination case.

Sometimes, when it is clear that the employer wants the employee gone and the employee does not wish to remain where she is not wanted, negotiating a severance agreement is feasible, allowing the employee to leave on more favorable terms, rather than waiting to be fired. Whether this is possible or if so, on what terms depends on many factors. You may wish to consult with an employment law attorney in your area, to assess the facts and evidence and explore your legal options.

In general, unless an employee is civil service, in a union, or has a written employment contract, they are an 'at will' employee that can be disciplined or fired any time for any reason, other than illegal discrimination or retaliation under the Discrimination, Civil Rights, or Whistle-blower, or similar statutes. The employee's goal should be to keep the employer happy. In your case, goals and expectations are entirely within the discretion of the employer, whether reasonable or not. You can either struggle along and wait until fired, or look for another job. IF upon termination, you believe you are entitled to provably 'vested' compensation/commissions, you could sue or bring a claim with the Labor Commissioner. If the amount in question is enough to justify hiring an attorney, feel free to contact me.