Sandra was employed as a sales manager for X Pty Ltd. Her contract provided for a salary of $72,000 a year, plus a bonus calculated on sales. The contract also provided that either party could terminate the contract by giving six months' notice. Sandra had an argument with Peter, the Managing Director of X Pty Ltd, and she was dismissed on the spot, in breach of her contract, without being given the required notice. Sandra had trouble getting another job and it was three months before she found a job with Y Ltd at a salary of $70,000 a year and no bonus.

Sandra wants to sue X Pty Ltd for six months' salary (in lieu of the six months' notice under the employment contract), compensation for the bonus she may have earned and damages for the injury to her feelings. Advise her, as to what damages she is entitled to obtain.

Would your answer be different if Sandra had refused a sales job paying $50,000 a year (without bonus) the day after she was dismissed by X Pty Ltd?