I work in California, and I don't know if there are any state laws that protect me, but I am hoping that someone can help me.

My manager recently informed me in just as many words : she wants me to find another job. She explained that she wants someone "new" who would be willing to travel up to 75% (my current role is approx. 1% travel). She advised that this would be a new requirement of my job (which seems arbitrary to me - to just suddenly decide this) and that I should start looking for a new job. I asked her why I am not being considered for this position, since it is MY JOB, and she gave me a song and dance about how traveling so much is a damper on your personal life, etc. Then she changed her tune to say that I would be "selfish" to not find another job and prevent her from hiring someone new.

My manager and I are on pretty good terms, we work well together, and she just gave me a sterling (100%) annual review, loaded with praise. I don't think that this change is motivated by a personality conflict or anything.

My question is : can your boss suddenly decide (there is zero justification) to change your job responsibilities just to push you out of your job?

"My question is : can your boss suddenly decide (there is zero justification) to change your job responsibilities just to push you out of your job?"

Are they changing the job description because they don't want you to do it? Or are they doing it because they need an employee to fill that role? Either way, an employer needs to do what they believe is in the best interest of the company. If they need to adjust the requirements of a position, then they can do so. If it means that you can no longer hold the job and they are seeking someone who can meet the requirements, then you should look for a new job or adjust to the new requirements.

Currently, there is no business justification. There are no projects on the horizon that require that amount of travel -- or really any travel at all. In fact, we have fewer projects for 2006 than we have had historically.

I think she is making a point of the travel aspect, because she knows that I have a family and would be less inclined to travel that much, and may leave if forced to travel that kind of schedule.

But still, if she's just trying to get rid of me, why doesn't she lay me off?

Maybe she's trying to be the "nice one" here and doesn't want to fire you but instead wants you to quit. As long as she doesn't discriminate against you because of age, gender, religion, etc. then she's doing everything she can do.