(FORTUNE Magazine) – Dear Annie: I work for a large technology company. When I was hired four years ago, I was told that my travel would be limited to the local metropolitan area. Lately, though, the travel has increased to the point where I spend 90% of my time flying all over the country. Is it legal for my employer to require this, even though it was not part of the job description? Can I be fired for refusing to travel? --Road-Weary

Dear Weary: Well, you might talk to an attorney in your state to see if your original job description constitutes any kind of implied contract. But most likely, says Jason Winford, a partner at law firm Jenkens & Gilchrist in Dallas, "you're what the law calls an 'at-will employee,' meaning you can quit or be let go for any reason. So your company does have the right to change your job duties, including travel. And you can, unfortunately, be disciplined or fired for refusing." But hold the phone. "Don't wait until this situation gets to the boiling point," says Winford. Does your manager realize how unhappy you are? If you haven't already done so, sit down with him and discuss what's happening. Maybe something can be worked out to resolve the situation. (Could you and a colleague, for example, take turns racking up some of those frequent-flier miles?) At the very least, Winford notes, "it could be an opportunity for a raise or a bonus for you because of the added responsibility and stress." Good luck.