Being forced to quit in NJ...

My employer recently found out that I started my own company for the purposes of performing some consulting on my own free time. The consulting that I am to provide is not the same type of service that my employer's company provides. I am basically being told that I must give up my job if I am to pusue this venture.

I am an excellent employee with no record of any misconduct nor degradation in performance. I recently received a substancial increase at the time of my review and all was going well until my employer found out about my plans.

What rights do I have?
Can he force me to leave or fire me if I do not comply?
If I am fired can I take some legal action?

Many employers list in theri handbooks that outside employment is either prohibited or needs to be approved by the company before being undertaken by a current employer. reasons for this inculde a potential conflict of business interest, but also can effect an employee's performance - juggling two jobs can eventually impact one's performance in one or more of the jobs - as well as occupy one's time during her work hours and limit the availability for overtime if required by your position. I suggest you check your company's personnel policies before considering legal action on this.