You may love social media as a way to connect with friends and family but have you used social media in a way that could cost you your job? And would you know how to recognize it if you did?
It’s a great way to communicate and catch up with all your old friends while adding your colleagues, but it can have a downside. In some cases, social media has been used in law firms as part of legal cases because somebody puts themselves in hot water on social media. It doesn’t have to be that way though.
The problems often occur when the line between personal and professional work is blurred. You can use an expert witness in social media to help if there is a case going on that you’re a part of, but really you should do what you can to avoid saying the wrong thing in public.
With that in mind, here are the things that you should avoid if you want to keep your job.
Cautionary Tale #1
Having an opinion about your boss, your coworkers, your workplace or your clients. If you do have any opinions make sure you are using them verbally to your friends in close quarters where nobody can overhear you rather than plastering that opinion all over social media.
Once you put an opinion on social media, it stays there. Even something that you think is funny can be misinterpreted and it’s really not worth the risk. You should never post anything nasty anyway because you’re a grown up, but if you do have a frustrating day, don’t blast it on social media.
Cautionary Tale #2
Pictures that put you in compromising positions. If you’re at a party and a friend of yours enjoys weed, the last thing you need is supposed to picture that on social media even if you’re not the person enjoying it.
There are usually morality policies in a contract that you sign with an employer, and if that’s the case then it’s bound to be the case that someone will find out and it’s just a matter of time before somebody knows.
Pictures that show you doing anything illegal or against company policy can be brought up and you will find them printed out and placed in front of you during a meeting.
Cautionary Tale #3
Telling the world you need a new job. If you’re in the market and you are looking for a new role but you haven’t told your employer yet, don’t tell social media. Once you’ve handed in your notice and your notice has been accepted, that’s an acceptable time to put it on socials. Otherwise, somebody in some way is bound to find out and it’s just a matter of time before your boss knows and gets rid of you before you can quit on your own terms.
Cautionary Tale #4
Slacking off work. Calling in sick and then spending your time messing around on social media and talking about how you’re having a lazy day is going to bite you in the backside if you post it on social media. It’s not going to earn you promotions and it can potentially get you fired.
Cautionary Tale #5
You’ve used social media in the office. Of course, your boss may be OK with you using social media at work, but it’s never a good idea to test that theory if you’re not sure. Instead of using it at work, just wait until you’re on your brakes or until you go home because definitely, social media can wait.
