Can an employer terminate you after you give 2 weeks notice without pay? I've heard of employers terminating employees but paying them for the 2 weeks. Someone that works in HR here in California says an at-will employee can be terminated without cause after they give notice and there is no need to pay them for the 2 weeks.

At will employers not only can terminate you after you give notice, they can decide that today everyone who is wearing blue must leave the premises, likewise, in such case, you do not have to give a two week notice to an at will employer, you can decide in the middle of your shift that you quit and walk of the job; however, it is not advisable if you will seek them as a reference... at will employment became an answer to reduce unemployment payouts for a company; however, at will employment liberates an employee to accept another job without delay. However, it is advisable to check your employee handbook to know the specifics as written by your employer.