I was let go for "violating the social networking policy."
I've been with this corporation for a long time and I'm a valued employee. The person who got me fired is in a position directly below mine. I'm guessing they thought they would benefit from making me look bad. Or perhaps they were actually looking to get me fired.
I really trusted this person. I thought I could add them on facebook (I truly wasn't concerned at all) as we regularly confide in each other with personal and work related stuff.
I feel so shocked and betrayed, but I suppose this is my fault. I know the consequences of adding a co-worker on facebook and mixing them into your personal life. I've always known this. Why did I do it?!
Moral of the story:
Don't add people on any social networking website that are involved in your professional life.
Even if you think you can trust them, you simply can't. There are some exceptions, but those people are extremely rare. It's not worth the risk.
Well....... If you're the type of guy who's gonna post something on facebook worthy of getting you fired... Sounds like you were mainly at fault here? I don't know, what exactly did you post?
what did you say that would have gotten you fired, I have to wonder if its more or less that you said something that was directly insulting to someone whom you work with, or that you said something that was supposed to be kept confidential.
I don't think they would fire you over something like "ugh I have to go to work today," or something along those lines.
Unfortunate that you had to find out about being more careful about what you post online in this way. Your blog contains good reflective advice for people though.
OP Broke company policy, got fired, and is blaming someone else. Seems like the mature thing to do. There is PROBABLY a reason he isnt telling us what he wrote.
On March 03 2012 08:17 Catch]22 wrote: OP Broke company policy, got fired, and is blaming someone else. Seems like the mature thing to do. There is PROBABLY a reason he isnt telling us what he wrote.
Someone skimmed. She's taking fault and admitting that the risk of mixing company co-workers with her personal life can end up hurting her or her job. Whatever she wrote could be damning or within reason, it would have been acceptable if someone from her job wasn't involved with her outlets of expression and of her personal life (and that's a choice she made and took the risk of).
On March 03 2012 08:17 Catch]22 wrote: OP Broke company policy, got fired, and is blaming someone else. Seems like the mature thing to do. There is PROBABLY a reason he isnt telling us what he wrote.
Someone skimmed. She's taking fault and admitting that the risk of mixing company co-workers with her personal life can end up hurting her or her job. Whatever she wrote could be damning or within reason, it would have been acceptable if someone from her job wasn't involved with her outlets of expression and of her personal life (and that's a choice she made and took the risk of).
Good call on maturity, it shows on your part.
Agreed, torte.
When there's a certain level of trust you have with someone, it hurts so much more deeply when they turn around and stab you in the back. While this doesn't hold the same level as being betrayed when you told someone something in confidence, there's still a level to it there. The OP obviously trusted this person, and especially did not expect them to be hunting their facebook looking for a reason to get them in trouble.
It sucks, and I know what it feels like to be betrayed. I'll keep this in mind the next time I add coworkers to my facebook.
FB isn't private life. It is public life, what you want everybody in the entire world to know about you. Use it like a news paper article and you have a decent summary of how it works for you outside of your closest friends.
Not using FB or similar sites seems to be the safest solution, that way there can be no mixing. If using it, don't post stuff you don't want everybody to read.
Your own fault tbh, keep business and personal life separated. Dont post stuff on facebook that might get you fired, no matter if you have colleagues that might get you fired or not....
I seen people get fired for it too, and for less....
Ha, this reminds me of that one girl who posted a long rant against her boss on FB, calling him a creep and a dictator, etc. She didn't realize she had added her boss, and proceeded to be "pwned" in a very public way.
Though i'm sure your situation is much more respectable, "just missed that million dollar store mark" doesn't seem very offensive. I feel for you.
On March 03 2012 08:28 Torte de Lini wrote: Ha! I got it right!
So what's your next step?
I'm hoping this will cause me to find a better paying job (it better lol). Like this situation was "meant to be" or something. : /
On March 03 2012 08:32 marttorn wrote: Ha, this reminds me of that one girl who posted a long rant against her boss on FB, calling him a creep and a dictator, etc. She didn't realize she had added her boss, and proceeded to be "pwned" in a very public way.
Though i'm sure your situation is much more respectable, "just missed that million dollar store mark" doesn't seem very offensive. I feel for you.
It wasn't offensive, but considered to be proprietary information about company goals. And it was... : /
The rest of the post was even worse, in my opinion (but wasn't what got me fired). I was ranting about something I thought was unfair (and only negatively impacting me in this case) because we "just missed that million dollar store mark."
Many companies have policies that gets you fired instantly if you break them ... they would just not deal with a case by case judgement calls, as that gets iffy in court if someone wants to take it there.
On March 03 2012 08:44 Angel_ wrote: OP is skipping details.
This, 100%.
A "valued employee" doesn't get fired over a vague comment like that. That might be the "official" legal reason, but there is absolutely more to it. I've been in management for a fortune 100 company for a few years now (I say that just to give a scope of how a large company has to work through the legal limitations and concerns), so I'm pretty familiar with how these things work and have seen a lot of them first hand.
If you truly believe that comment is what got you fired, then you're either lying to us intentionally, or lying/deluding yourself about your value and perception to your employer. -_-
I can empathize with you losing your job, but I just get the feeling you're not exactly a victim here.
I could be wrong, sure, but the way you position your entire post (including the misleading title) is pointing myself and others in that direction.
On March 03 2012 08:44 Soleron wrote: I went to look at US law so you could possibly appeal but it looks like workers don't get rights in your country (most states). Wow.
Hm? Not sure where you were looking, workers are afforded a LOT of rights and protections here (too many sometimes IMO, but I just say that because I'm often on the other side of it - but I would rather have the individual over protected than under protected).
I remember reading something like this happening to some guy, he got fired for saying stuff about work on FB and he sued the company for getting fired over that and he won. Think he got compensated or got his job back don't remember.
To me it seems like you got fired over the rest of the post u made and not the reason they gave you, that seems way too silly to fire a "valued" employee over.
Don't use public networks to complain about work, that's why we have more personal forms of communication. Good luck getting a better job .
Your Facebook profile doesn't belong to your private life.
Even in France where unlike in the US (from what I heard), employees are very very well protected against abusive management, people have been fired for posting stuff on closed profiles. And the court have given reason to their employers. That's gross, but that's the way it is.
Facebook is a piece of junk. If you decide to use it, at least you should be aware of it.
It sucks for you, really feel sorry, and your co-worker is a total douchebag.
On March 03 2012 08:44 Soleron wrote: I went to look at US law so you could possibly appeal but it looks like workers don't get rights in your country (most states). Wow.
Hm? Not sure where you were looking, workers are afforded a LOT of rights and protections here (too many sometimes IMO, but I just say that because I'm often on the other side of it - but I would rather have the individual over protected than under protected).
I was looking at "right to work" laws. Some of the arguments against these laws claim people can just be fired for any reason. Is that an exaggeration?
Are there government-mandated appeal options against firing? Are there reasons one cannot be fired pertaining to outside of job speech?
On March 03 2012 08:32 marttorn wrote: Ha, this reminds me of that one girl who posted a long rant against her boss on FB, calling him a creep and a dictator, etc. She didn't realize she had added her boss, and proceeded to be "pwned" in a very public way.
Though i'm sure your situation is much more respectable, "just missed that million dollar store mark" doesn't seem very offensive. I feel for you.
It wasn't offensive, but considered to be proprietary information about company goals. And it was... : /
The rest of the post was even worse, in my opinion (but wasn't what got me fired). I was ranting about something I thought was unfair (and only negatively impacting me in this case) because we "just missed that million dollar store mark."
The reason you were fired was probably the rant about unfairness in the workplace, which I'm guessing was negatively directed at your boss(es), and the excuse they found to fire you was the proprietary information. It sucks, it really does, and I'm sorry that you are now out of a job. The things you've learned from this experience are probably not all that comforting either.. but you're looking forward to a new job and I can respect that. Good luck in the future
On March 03 2012 08:44 Angel_ wrote: OP is skipping details.
This, 100%.
A "valued employee" doesn't get fired over a vague comment like that. That might be the "official" legal reason, but there is absolutely more to it. I've been in management for a fortune 100 company for a few years now (I say that just to give a scope of how a large company has to work through the legal limitations and concerns , so I'm pretty familiar with how these things work and have seen a lot of them first hand.
If you truly believe that comment is what got you fired, then you're either lying to us intentionally, or lying/deluding yourself about your value and perception to your employer. -_-
I can empathize with you losing your job, but I just get the feeling you're not exactly a victim here.
I could be wrong, sure, but the way you position your entire post (including the misleading title) is pointing myself and others in that direction.
On March 03 2012 08:44 Soleron wrote: I went to look at US law so you could possibly appeal but it looks like workers don't get rights in your country (most states). Wow.
Hm? Not sure where you were looking, workers are afforded a LOT of rights and protections here (too many sometimes IMO, but I just say that because I'm often on the other side of it - but I would rather have the individual over protected than under protected).
Wow. If you break a policy like I did, and HR is notified with proof, they are required to immediately terminate you.
My district manager cried when she gave me the termination letter. I am valued. I know this through feedback and reviews. I was one of the best actually. It's extremely unfortunate, but they take this really seriously. Some woman in HR that I've never heard of/met doesn't realize who she's forcing my DM to terminate. I'm just a number to them, because of how large the company is.
Then that really is unfortunate, I'm sorry to have made the assumption it was much worse. At least you were on good terms with your manager, I'm sure the recommendation will help with your job search.
On March 03 2012 08:32 marttorn wrote: Ha, this reminds me of that one girl who posted a long rant against her boss on FB, calling him a creep and a dictator, etc. She didn't realize she had added her boss, and proceeded to be "pwned" in a very public way.
Though i'm sure your situation is much more respectable, "just missed that million dollar store mark" doesn't seem very offensive. I feel for you.
It wasn't offensive, but considered to be proprietary information about company goals. And it was... : /
The rest of the post was even worse, in my opinion (but wasn't what got me fired). I was ranting about something I thought was unfair (and only negatively impacting me in this case) because we "just missed that million dollar store mark."
so you made a public comment about a (just my assumption) wallstreet noted company which could effect its stocks worth because there might be rumors about the company having a bad quarter and you do not think that this might be a problem?
Never ever speak publicly about the inner workings of your company that's what you got the PR department for. And reading your work contract might help too before you sign it.
On March 03 2012 08:44 Angel_ wrote: OP is skipping details.
This, 100%.
A "valued employee" doesn't get fired over a vague comment like that. That might be the "official" legal reason, but there is absolutely more to it. I've been in management for a fortune 100 company for a few years now (I say that just to give a scope of how a large company has to work through the legal limitations and concerns , so I'm pretty familiar with how these things work and have seen a lot of them first hand.
If you truly believe that comment is what got you fired, then you're either lying to us intentionally, or lying/deluding yourself about your value and perception to your employer. -_-
I can empathize with you losing your job, but I just get the feeling you're not exactly a victim here.
I could be wrong, sure, but the way you position your entire post (including the misleading title) is pointing myself and others in that direction.
On March 03 2012 08:44 Soleron wrote: I went to look at US law so you could possibly appeal but it looks like workers don't get rights in your country (most states). Wow.
Hm? Not sure where you were looking, workers are afforded a LOT of rights and protections here (too many sometimes IMO, but I just say that because I'm often on the other side of it - but I would rather have the individual over protected than under protected).
Wow. If you break a policy like I did, and HR is notified with proof, they are required to immediately terminate you.
My district manager cried when she gave me the termination letter. I am valued. I know this through feedback and reviews. I was one of the best actually. It's extremely unfortunate, but they take this really seriously. Some woman in HR that I've never heard of/met doesn't realize who she's forcing my DM to terminate. I'm just a number to them, because of how large the company is.
Why isn't your fbook set to private? How do you know this "trusted" friend is the one who ratted you out?
On March 03 2012 08:44 Soleron wrote: I went to look at US law so you could possibly appeal but it looks like workers don't get rights in your country (most states). Wow.
Hm? Not sure where you were looking, workers are afforded a LOT of rights and protections here (too many sometimes IMO, but I just say that because I'm often on the other side of it - but I would rather have the individual over protected than under protected).
I was looking at "right to work" laws. Some of the arguments against these laws claim people can just be fired for any reason. Is that an exaggeration?
Are there government-mandated appeal options against firing? Are there reasons one cannot be fired pertaining to outside of job speech?
Mmm... Yes and No.
Many places do indeed have guidelines that allow for easy dismissal of an employee at any time, but employees are never going to fired for 'any reason' due to how unemployment compensation works. Long story short, if you get fired from your job, you have the right to request unemployment pay (which is state run but ultimately the money pool comes from the companies themselves, so it is in the company's best interest to have as few people paid unemployment as possible). If you're granted unemployment pay, the company then has an opportunity to demonstrate that you do not qualify for the pay, typically due to gross misconduct of company policies or other legal violations, and can request a reversal of benefits. If the ex-employee is still granted unemployment by the state, the company can decide to appeal. This will lead to a hearing with the ex-employee and representatives for the company, which functions much like a court trial (both sides present evidence, make their statements, etc.). Once the hearing is over, the arbitrator for the state makes their judgement.
An ex-employee could take it beyond just unemployment benefits, and actually sue the company for lost wages and compensation if they were falsely terminated. This can end up costing a company quite a bit of money obviously, both in the actual compensation to the employee and in lawyer costs.
It might be technically easy to go through the act of firing someone, but I can assure you it's not simply done without good, justifiable, legal reasons due to the costs to the company if they're found to be in the wrong.
On March 03 2012 08:44 Soleron wrote: I went to look at US law so you could possibly appeal but it looks like workers don't get rights in your country (most states). Wow.
Hm? Not sure where you were looking, workers are afforded a LOT of rights and protections here (too many sometimes IMO, but I just say that because I'm often on the other side of it - but I would rather have the individual over protected than under protected).
I was looking at "right to work" laws. Some of the arguments against these laws claim people can just be fired for any reason. Is that an exaggeration?
Are there government-mandated appeal options against firing? Are there reasons one cannot be fired pertaining to outside of job speech?
Mmm... Yes and No.
Many places do indeed have guidelines that allow for easy dismissal of an employee at any time, but employees are never going to fired for 'any reason' due to how unemployment compensation works. Long story short, if you get fired from your job, you have the right to request unemployment pay (which is state run but ultimately the money pool comes from the companies themselves, so it is in the company's best interest to have as few people paid unemployment as possible). If you're granted unemployment pay, the company then has an opportunity to demonstrate that you do not qualify for the pay, typically due to gross misconduct of company policies or other legal violations, and can request a reversal of benefits. If the ex-employee is still granted unemployment by the state, the company can decide to appeal. This will lead to a hearing with the ex-employee and representatives for the company, which functions much like a court trial (both sides present evidence, make their statements, etc.). Once the hearing is over, the arbitrator for the state makes their judgement.
An ex-employee could take it beyond just unemployment benefits, and actually sue the company for lost wages and compensation if they were falsely terminated. This can end up costing a company quite a bit of money obviously, both in the actual compensation to the employee and in lawyer costs.
It might be technically easy to go through the act of firing someone, but I can assure you it's not simply done without good, justifiable, legal reasons due to the costs to the company if they're found to be in the wrong.
Worked in a "right-to-work" state. This is 100% true. No one ever gets fired for anything that isn't able to be backed up 100%, and when unemployment comes into the picture companies will, and do, fight against you receiving unemployment if you got fired for something that was in violation of company rules.
Some of you are so shocked by this. How do you think I feel? I'm hurt, angry, and I feel completely lost.
This is not something I'm making up. I was legit fired for disclosing proprietary information referring to the volume of the store.
I feel like my world has been turned upside down. I know it's my fault. That girl wanted me gone, and she found something she knew would cause termination. That's why I'm so angry.
I know I technically live in an "at-will" employment state, but from everything I've read it seems that if a company has a set of policy and procedures for terminating someone they must legally follow them.
I was never suspended. They didn't follow the steps listed there, they immediately terminated me. My DM is the one who said the "at-will" thing, and that their social networking policy (which I signed when it was implemented last year) says that violation is cause for immediate termination.
Strange thing to post on facebook (who of your friends would care at all about such inane details?), but it's rather harsh to be terminated over that alone, in my opinion. If I was in your position, I would probably have some rather choice words for your co-worker/"friend".
On March 03 2012 09:48 whatthefat wrote: Strange thing to post on facebook (who of your friends would care at all about such inane details?), but it's rather harsh to be terminated over that alone, in my opinion. If I was in your position, I would probably have some rather choice words for your co-worker/"friend".
My close friends on fb knew I was expecting a status change if my store met goal that fiscal year.
I was really upset that everything was riding on the numbers alone. I don't have tons of friends on facebook, they all know me personally.
On March 03 2012 09:48 whatthefat wrote: Strange thing to post on facebook (who of your friends would care at all about such inane details?), but it's rather harsh to be terminated over that alone, in my opinion. If I was in your position, I would probably have some rather choice words for your co-worker/"friend".
It's not really that harsh...
If I post on Facebook "Damn, our deal with [Random Sponsor] fell through" you'd better believe my bosses at ESL would be pissed off.
Unfortunate circumstance, and the coworker that reported it is a tremendous cunt, but sadly this is the way the professional world works sometimes.
well, on the bright side you're free to do anything you want. next monday you could go rob a bank during the daytime, because you have no obligations. make the most of it! i feel bad for you mostly because job hunting is a bitch... but i suppose if your boss really likes you you'd have a shining recommendation
Chalk this up to a big mistake and never make it again. FYI I got fired from a 2 year job for being rude to the HR lady, just had to take it on the chin, I feel for you!
Got to say that, if you weren't on a probationary period or anything, it's quite amazing they were able to fire you immediately for your policy violation. Depending on the terms of your employment contract there might be grounds for unfair dismissal or the US equivalent of that.
i know how you feel about being betrayed but not being fired, someone i thought was a friend ratted on me for doing something against store policy. Technically what i did wasn't right, but friends don't rat on each other. fuck that bitch.
It's too bad the US Air Force can't fire my ass. I purposely made my page 100% public so that anyone can come and see what I have on my mind or others.
I put as my job title: "Slave" and I haven't gotten any angry emails or phone calls yet telling me to change my job position. I know one day it's going to bite me in the ass, but I haven't compromised any secret classified information or anything of the sort so I still have my Top Secret security clearance. I hate it though when I see military members posting pictures of themselves in uniform on Facebook in locations that aren't supposed to be seen by the public eye: For example... a remote location in Afghanistan and you're shown in uniform with your rifle in hand and you posing in front of a distinguished landmark so that possibly some facebook stalker can use against the military. That stuff will get you in bigger trouble than "fired". __________________
HOWEVER, if I was the OP... I'd 100% DEFINITELY have my facebook page set to private. I'd only add people that are truly my friends and not co-workers that I think would try to backstab me. One day when I go out to the "real" world and work with regular civilians I'll definitely stop all my social networking BS so that prospective job employers or whatever don't see my sarcastic ways of thinking. I might even delete my facebook page when I take social networking seriously.
Sorry for this, it's sucks hard, but there's nothing you can do now, hope you learn the lesson and ll never do some sh1t like this again, for me, was a person its not big deal, but the companies have policy that you were aware and still you did it ... so, im sorry, but it was not unexpected ....
Never add a co-worker on facebook. why people have hundreds of friends on there anyways is just.....what are u gona gain out of it besides drama? you want a one night stand hit up craigslist. you want to keep in touch with family then pick up the phone. I think i have less then 25 fb friends (most are family). i use it as a place to store random info and facts as a back up (books ive read, places ive gone etc)
What you posted on facebook has next to nothing to do with anything. you did not mention your company, your position, the account you were working on, any specific numbers, any names etc. you mentioned nothing important about anything. your comany is being silly. im pretty sure you are gona qualify for unemployment. you also most likely have a case in court. even if if just small claims court where I believe the max you can win is $10,000. quick tip. alot of companies fail to even show up or send someone to fight a case in small claims court because it will usually cost them more than to just pay up. ie cases against bank of america and other banks for shady overdraft fee practices. also today i read in the san jose mercury news about a lady who sued a major car company for falsely advertised gas mileage claims and won the $10,000 maximum.
that is unless you have been making lots of other posts besides the one you quoted......
Social networking is the 21st century version of "the Darwin Awards." If you're posting private company information on a social network, I'd fire your dumb ass too.
i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons. i don't agree with the people who say "you learned your lesson" - it seems all that you learned was that people are willing to implement stupid policies.
anyway, sorry to hear, it's a shitty time to lose a job.
On March 03 2012 09:43 Porcelain wrote: I was legit fired for disclosing proprietary information referring to the volume of the store.
Disclosing company information, even within the company, is something you should NEVER do. I'm sorry you got fired and it's a little harsh, but company information is sensitive. Better luck next time
On March 03 2012 09:43 Porcelain wrote: My DM is the one who said the "at-will" thing, and that their social networking policy (which I signed when it was implemented last year) says that violation is cause for immediate termination.
Social network contents can be searched by the social network provider and it's partners. Your company doesn't want to give out information to unknown 3rd parties. Your termination might be an example, but there is a good reason for the policy.
I'm pretty much only a kid (freshman in college) wirh no real job experience, but isn't there a way for you to appeal it? As you said, your manager supports you, and I'm sure you have other co-workers who can attest to your situation. I mean, from an outside standpoint, making a sarcastic remark about barely missing a goal is not that big of a deal. I feel like HR should really understand what happened. I mean, a million dollar store missing its target by a tiny bit isn't even that huge of a deal, given how big the company was, right?
You can also try and get some dirt on the person who you think got you fired. At least tell your co-workers what the douche did and make sure their life is hell.
If things don't work out I hope you'll find a new job! I'm sure that you can explain the situation to your future employer, and that they'll be happy to find such an excellent employee like you. It's your old company's loss if they so callously fire a valued employee.
On March 03 2012 16:23 ticklishmusic wrote: Wow, that's a terribly douchey move.
I'm pretty much only a kid (freshman in college) wirh no real job experience, but isn't there a way for you to appeal it? As you said, your manager supports you, and I'm sure you have other co-workers who can attest to your situation. I mean, from an outside standpoint, making a sarcastic remark about barely missing a goal is not that big of a deal. I feel like HR should really understand what happened. I mean, a million dollar store missing its target by a tiny bit isn't even that huge of a deal, given how big the company was, right?
You can also try and get some dirt on the person who you think got you fired. At least tell your co-workers what the douche did and make sure their life is hell.
If things don't work out I hope you'll find a new job! I'm sure that you can explain the situation to your future employer, and that they'll be happy to find such an excellent employee like you. It's your old company's loss if they so callously fire a valued employee.
I don't think you understand what proprietary means.
On March 03 2012 15:08 o[twist] wrote: i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons.
It's not just TL, this misguided sympathy for businesses is quite a social trend these days, especially in the US.
On March 03 2012 15:08 o[twist] wrote: i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons.
It's not just TL, this misguided sympathy for businesses is quite a social trend these days, especially in the US.
It's not sympathy for the business. It's knowing that the business can get into significant legal trouble if employees release details relating to things like earnings reports that aren't public information.
I really hate that a social networking site has to be properly "managed" your company shouldn't care what you say to your friends on facebook. God it reminds me of the school teacher who got fired because she had a photo on facebook with a beer in her hand....and her profile was set to PRIVATE so only friends could see it. So stupid and it sucks that you had to go out like that.
On March 03 2012 15:08 o[twist] wrote: i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons.
It's not just TL, this misguided sympathy for businesses is quite a social trend these days, especially in the US.
It's not sympathy for the business. It's knowing that the business can get into significant legal trouble if employees release details relating to things like earnings reports that aren't public information.
See, considering interests of a business you're not even a part of, legal consequences they might have or the damage they might have suffered is sympathy.
I don't think anyone disagrees with the rational premise of the situation. I'm talking about the personal angle a lot of people take, the tone in which they say/write it. The subtle vibe in this thread has pretty much been "you stupid idiot, you deserved it and you better have learned your lesson" since page 1.
I feel your pain, didnt lose my job, but was so close to losing my christmas bonus of about £600... Posted some Banter on my page which my friends got and replied to with their own banter anyway one of the girls read one of my posts that could of been linked with work and told our bosses who kicked up a fuss..(made a comment about a town where our head office is) nothign even bad just about the girls there and it was all in humour but my bosses only knew about the one comment and not the fact I was replying to someone else and it was obvious a joke, anyway they didnt care and only reason they didnt take my bonus off me was because it was a "isolated" incident... so yeh... whatever you do DO NOT add work colleagues even if you trust them... I still to this day dont know who actually told my bosses as im friends with about 10 people of our 40 staff and have declined at least 10 more invites lately
From now on I will watch what i write and any jokoe or banter or any sarcasm I have to actually make sure I tell epople im joking... which actualyl takes the fun out of winding people up....
On March 03 2012 15:08 o[twist] wrote: i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons.
It's not just TL, this misguided sympathy for businesses is quite a social trend these days, especially in the US.
It's not sympathy for the business. It's knowing that the business can get into significant legal trouble if employees release details relating to things like earnings reports that aren't public information.
See, considering interests of a business you're not even a part of, legal consequences they might have or the damage they might have suffered is sympathy.
I don't think anyone disagrees with the rational premise of the situation. I'm talking about the personal angle a lot of people take, the tone in which they say/write it. The subtle vibe in this thread has pretty much been "you stupid idiot, you deserved it and you better have learned your lesson" since page 1.
......... I still fail to see how that is in any way whatsoever sympathy for the business? Yes, a few of us brought it up but most are referring to her actions and how she knew the consequences but did it anyways based on (misplaced) trust.
I think they're two completely different things you're trying to lump together. -_-
On March 03 2012 18:34 Animzor wrote: Why do adults have Facebook? That is the question.
Actually, I make it a point not to... The only interactions I've ever had with facebook is... *drumroll* making a dummy account to intentionally catch an employee doing they shouldn't be doing (she was caught anyhow, but I just wanted to test a theory and I was 100% correct).
Seriously, there is like NO FUCKING REASON to have a facebook (or at least, to put ANYTHING that might come back to haunt you later on it).
On March 03 2012 15:08 o[twist] wrote: i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons.
It's not just TL, this misguided sympathy for businesses is quite a social trend these days, especially in the US.
It's not sympathy for the business. It's knowing that the business can get into significant legal trouble if employees release details relating to things like earnings reports that aren't public information.
See, considering interests of a business you're not even a part of, legal consequences they might have or the damage they might have suffered is sympathy.
I don't think anyone disagrees with the rational premise of the situation. I'm talking about the personal angle a lot of people take, the tone in which they say/write it. The subtle vibe in this thread has pretty much been "you stupid idiot, you deserved it and you better have learned your lesson" since page 1.
I agree with the second statement. Very unsympathetic group. It is what it is.
Anyways, based on the dollar values mentioned by the OP, I really doubt that that the "information" divulged was earth-shattering. Million dollars ain't shit, as it were.
On March 03 2012 15:08 o[twist] wrote: i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons.
It's not just TL, this misguided sympathy for businesses is quite a social trend these days, especially in the US.
It's not sympathy for the business. It's knowing that the business can get into significant legal trouble if employees release details relating to things like earnings reports that aren't public information.
See, considering interests of a business you're not even a part of, legal consequences they might have or the damage they might have suffered is sympathy.
I don't think anyone disagrees with the rational premise of the situation. I'm talking about the personal angle a lot of people take, the tone in which they say/write it. The subtle vibe in this thread has pretty much been "you stupid idiot, you deserved it and you better have learned your lesson" since page 1.
......... I still fail to see how that is in any way whatsoever sympathy for the business? Yes, a few of us brought it up but most are referring to her actions and how she knew the consequences but did it anyways based on (misplaced) trust.
I think they're two completely different things you're trying to lump together. -_-
On March 03 2012 18:34 Animzor wrote: Why do adults have Facebook? That is the question.
Actually, I make it a point not to... The only interactions I've ever had with facebook is... *drumroll* making a dummy account to intentionally catch an employee doing they shouldn't be doing (she was caught anyhow, but I just wanted to test a theory and I was 100% correct).
Seriously, there is like NO FUCKING REASON to have a facebook (or at least, to put ANYTHING that might come back to haunt you later on it).
Word. The only reason that people have Facebook is to advertise their silly little lives (as if anyone gives a fuck) and because they're afraid that they might miss out on something if they don't have it. The crazy thing is that sites like Facebook were almost exclusively used by teenagers a few years ago, what happened?
Wow that really sucks porcelain. I'm still wondering over why the person got you fired. Like do they want your position, or do they not like you or.. what?
I would say to try to get another different position with the company or get them to explain why you were terminated with your next application.
Man, I post stuff like "man I feel so sick all of a sudden, should I call in sick? shhhhh @coworker" whenever it's snowing outside in the morning. Good thing he hasn't turned me in yet x_x I think I should be careful in the future.
Sorry OP, but I've read what you posted on FB, and I dont feel sorry one bit, for you. You did something against their policy (and you seemingly even knew so, before you posted it, and you still posted it?), and you got fired. I'm sorry but it's your own damn dumbass fault, and if you get fired over FB, you're obviously not old (smart?) enough, to use FB in the first place.
And seriously getting fired over fb is pretty stupid, it really is, I dont pity you at all, it's your own fault.
But atleast you've gotten some pity from people, who doesnt know much about the real world...
Actually, I make it a point not to... The only interactions I've ever had with facebook is... *drumroll* making a dummy account to intentionally catch an employee doing they shouldn't be doing (she was caught anyhow, but I just wanted to test a theory and I was 100% correct).
Seriously, there is like NO FUCKING REASON to have a facebook (or at least, to put ANYTHING that might come back to haunt you later on it).
Facebook is nice to keep in contact with friends and relatives. People just need to think smarter about what they post. Obviously don't post something that's going to make yourself look unprofessional. I think if someone can't help themselves to post stupid pictures, dumb comments, or have friends that will get them in trouble, they need to delete their facebook page
On March 03 2012 15:08 o[twist] wrote: i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons.
It's not just TL, this misguided sympathy for businesses is quite a social trend these days, especially in the US.
It's not sympathy for the business. It's knowing that the business can get into significant legal trouble if employees release details relating to things like earnings reports that aren't public information.
See, considering interests of a business you're not even a part of, legal consequences they might have or the damage they might have suffered is sympathy.
I don't think anyone disagrees with the rational premise of the situation. I'm talking about the personal angle a lot of people take, the tone in which they say/write it. The subtle vibe in this thread has pretty much been "you stupid idiot, you deserved it and you better have learned your lesson" since page 1.
......... I still fail to see how that is in any way whatsoever sympathy for the business? Yes, a few of us brought it up but most are referring to her actions and how she knew the consequences but did it anyways based on (misplaced) trust.
I think they're two completely different things you're trying to lump together. -_-
On March 03 2012 18:34 Animzor wrote: Why do adults have Facebook? That is the question.
Actually, I make it a point not to... The only interactions I've ever had with facebook is... *drumroll* making a dummy account to intentionally catch an employee doing they shouldn't be doing (she was caught anyhow, but I just wanted to test a theory and I was 100% correct).
Seriously, there is like NO FUCKING REASON to have a facebook (or at least, to put ANYTHING that might come back to haunt you later on it).
Word. The only reason that people have Facebook is to advertise their silly little lives (as if anyone gives a fuck) and because they're afraid that they might miss out on something if they don't have it. The crazy thing is that sites like Facebook were almost exclusively used by teenagers a few years ago, what happened?
Those college kids/teenagers got older.
For whatever it's worth, I believe last year a court in the northeast (MA I think?) ruled that employee facebook posting fell under a category of protected speech and they successfully sued their employer for firing them over facebook comments.
On March 03 2012 18:34 EvilTeletubby wrote: Actually, I make it a point not to... The only interactions I've ever had with facebook is... *drumroll* making a dummy account to intentionally catch an employee doing they shouldn't be doing (she was caught anyhow, but I just wanted to test a theory and I was 100% correct).
If you ever wondered how management spends their free time ... well, there ya go. For science, clearly.
On March 03 2012 16:23 ticklishmusic wrote: Wow, that's a terribly douchey move.
I'm pretty much only a kid (freshman in college) wirh no real job experience, but isn't there a way for you to appeal it? As you said, your manager supports you, and I'm sure you have other co-workers who can attest to your situation. I mean, from an outside standpoint, making a sarcastic remark about barely missing a goal is not that big of a deal. I feel like HR should really understand what happened. I mean, a million dollar store missing its target by a tiny bit isn't even that huge of a deal, given how big the company was, right?
You can also try and get some dirt on the person who you think got you fired. At least tell your co-workers what the douche did and make sure their life is hell.
If things don't work out I hope you'll find a new job! I'm sure that you can explain the situation to your future employer, and that they'll be happy to find such an excellent employee like you. It's your old company's loss if they so callously fire a valued employee.
I don't think you understand what proprietary means.
I'm aware of what it means, but the information seems pretty fucking trivial. It's like after you take a test and you bitch about "oh my god, fucking multiple multiple choice, I had the right answer, then I accidentally picked another letter as well." to a friend. Technically it's talking about the test and revealing information about it, but the chances of it affecting the overall performance on the test is approximately... zero.
There are actual huge violations, and there's tiny little slip ups. Big bad fortune 500 company shouldn't be such a whiny bitch about such a tiny mistake.
You should choose your facebook friends better in the future. Or hide what certain people can see. I've deleted my facebook page about two years ago and havn't been happier since.
On March 03 2012 16:23 ticklishmusic wrote: Wow, that's a terribly douchey move.
I'm pretty much only a kid (freshman in college) wirh no real job experience, but isn't there a way for you to appeal it? As you said, your manager supports you, and I'm sure you have other co-workers who can attest to your situation. I mean, from an outside standpoint, making a sarcastic remark about barely missing a goal is not that big of a deal. I feel like HR should really understand what happened. I mean, a million dollar store missing its target by a tiny bit isn't even that huge of a deal, given how big the company was, right?
You can also try and get some dirt on the person who you think got you fired. At least tell your co-workers what the douche did and make sure their life is hell.
If things don't work out I hope you'll find a new job! I'm sure that you can explain the situation to your future employer, and that they'll be happy to find such an excellent employee like you. It's your old company's loss if they so callously fire a valued employee.
I don't think you understand what proprietary means.
I'm aware of what it means, but the information seems pretty fucking trivial. It's like after you take a test and you bitch about "oh my god, fucking multiple multiple choice, I had the right answer, then I accidentally picked another letter as well." to a friend. Technically it's talking about the test and revealing information about it, but the chances of it affecting the overall performance on the test is approximately... zero.
There are actual huge violations, and there's tiny little slip ups. Big bad fortune 500 company shouldn't be such a whiny bitch about such a tiny mistake.
It seems trivial because you're a naive college freshman.
It's blabbing about internal sales figures that aren't supposed to be public. That reveals information to rival companies and potential customers and clients that isn't positive. It's not a stupid policy and it's certainly one that is easy to adhere to
That's pretty rough. It looks like you accept that it got you fired but not HOW it got you fired. I'd be fairly upset if somebody I trusted reported me as well. It's the right decision but they also could have talked to you to remove it first... ah well
On March 03 2012 16:23 ticklishmusic wrote: Wow, that's a terribly douchey move.
I'm pretty much only a kid (freshman in college) wirh no real job experience, but isn't there a way for you to appeal it? As you said, your manager supports you, and I'm sure you have other co-workers who can attest to your situation. I mean, from an outside standpoint, making a sarcastic remark about barely missing a goal is not that big of a deal. I feel like HR should really understand what happened. I mean, a million dollar store missing its target by a tiny bit isn't even that huge of a deal, given how big the company was, right?
You can also try and get some dirt on the person who you think got you fired. At least tell your co-workers what the douche did and make sure their life is hell.
If things don't work out I hope you'll find a new job! I'm sure that you can explain the situation to your future employer, and that they'll be happy to find such an excellent employee like you. It's your old company's loss if they so callously fire a valued employee.
I don't think you understand what proprietary means.
I'm aware of what it means, but the information seems pretty fucking trivial. It's like after you take a test and you bitch about "oh my god, fucking multiple multiple choice, I had the right answer, then I accidentally picked another letter as well." to a friend. Technically it's talking about the test and revealing information about it, but the chances of it affecting the overall performance on the test is approximately... zero.
There are actual huge violations, and there's tiny little slip ups. Big bad fortune 500 company shouldn't be such a whiny bitch about such a tiny mistake.
It seems trivial because you're a naive college freshman.
It's blabbing about internal sales figures that aren't supposed to be public. That reveals information to rival companies and potential customers and clients that isn't positive. It's not a stupid policy and it's certainly one that is easy to adhere to
Sounds like OP is in retail, so if I'm an analyst at a hedge fund / trading shop, I now have a data point on a particular retail chain's store revenue. I can extrapolate that, using national historic figures of retail sales across the country, to estimate what that company's FY revenue will be. If this is significantly above or below projections, I now have a market dislocation that I can exploit. In order to prevent such scenarios, public companies have very strict financial disclosure rules.
As many have said, the violation itself is quite bad, and the punishment is, in my view, just. I do however also agree that it sucks being backstabbed. It's why I consider every facet of my internet life to be public now.
Made a facebook due to peer pressure like five to six years ago, I still regret it like hell. Want to erase the damn thing but can't because I forgot the password for it (to be honest there is no information besides which school I went to, but I have some paranoia of facebook machinry somehow tracking my behaviour xD)
On March 03 2012 16:23 ticklishmusic wrote: Wow, that's a terribly douchey move.
I'm pretty much only a kid (freshman in college) wirh no real job experience, but isn't there a way for you to appeal it? As you said, your manager supports you, and I'm sure you have other co-workers who can attest to your situation. I mean, from an outside standpoint, making a sarcastic remark about barely missing a goal is not that big of a deal. I feel like HR should really understand what happened. I mean, a million dollar store missing its target by a tiny bit isn't even that huge of a deal, given how big the company was, right?
You can also try and get some dirt on the person who you think got you fired. At least tell your co-workers what the douche did and make sure their life is hell.
If things don't work out I hope you'll find a new job! I'm sure that you can explain the situation to your future employer, and that they'll be happy to find such an excellent employee like you. It's your old company's loss if they so callously fire a valued employee.
I don't think you understand what proprietary means.
I'm aware of what it means, but the information seems pretty fucking trivial. It's like after you take a test and you bitch about "oh my god, fucking multiple multiple choice, I had the right answer, then I accidentally picked another letter as well." to a friend. Technically it's talking about the test and revealing information about it, but the chances of it affecting the overall performance on the test is approximately... zero.
There are actual huge violations, and there's tiny little slip ups. Big bad fortune 500 company shouldn't be such a whiny bitch about such a tiny mistake.
It seems trivial because you're a naive college freshman.
It's blabbing about internal sales figures that aren't supposed to be public. That reveals information to rival companies and potential customers and clients that isn't positive. It's not a stupid policy and it's certainly one that is easy to adhere to
Sounds like OP is in retail, so if I'm an analyst at a hedge fund / trading shop, I now have a data point on a particular retail chain's store revenue. I can extrapolate that, using national historic figures of retail sales across the country, to estimate what that company's FY revenue will be. If this is significantly above or below projections, I now have a market dislocation that I can exploit. In order to prevent such scenarios, public companies have very strict financial disclosure rules.
As many have said, the violation itself is quite bad, and the punishment is, in my view, just. I do however also agree that it sucks being backstabbed. It's why I consider every facet of my internet life to be public now.
Yeah, the betrayal is definitely the real kick in the ass. If I were in her situation, I would be furious even knowing (as she clearly does) that I had violated a set-in-stone company policy.
On March 03 2012 08:12 Porcelain wrote: Moral of the story:
Don't add people on any social networking website that are involved in your professional life.
Even if you think you can trust them, you simply can't. There are some exceptions, but those people are extremely rare. It's not worth the risk.
That's the moral of the story?
Let me give an example of what I'm getting at: Bob and I work at XYZ Corp., a prominent giraffe manufacturing company based in Odessa, TX.
Bob: Hey.
Me: Hey Bob, how's it going?
Bob: Mr. Pickles [our boss] was giving me a hard time today because I released 200 live rabbits into the office again.
Me: Haha, that Mr. Pickles! He's a real piece of shit!
Then Bob tells Mr. Pickles what I said. Then I'm like "Nuh-uh, I didn't say that, Bob is a liar.", then Bob pulls out a tape recorder. I'm like "Oh shit, he recorded the convo", and I laugh nervously and say "Who uses cassette tapes these days!?" and he presses play. At first, he plays a recording of him and his wife having sex, which causes him significant embarrassment, but he fast-forwards to the part where I called Mr. Pickles "a piece of shit". Then I'm like "BOB HOW DARE YOU. YOU BETRAYED ME."
Then someone asks me "What did you learn from that experience?" and I go "Never trust people."
Did I learn the correct lesson? Or perhaps I should learn not to do things that are clearly against company policy?
On March 03 2012 08:12 Porcelain wrote: Moral of the story:
Don't add people on any social networking website that are involved in your professional life.
Even if you think you can trust them, you simply can't. There are some exceptions, but those people are extremely rare. It's not worth the risk.
That's the moral of the story?
Let me give an example of what I'm getting at: Bob and I work at XYZ Corp., a prominent giraffe manufacturing company based in Odessa, TX.
Bob: Hey.
Me: Hey Bob, how's it going?
Bob: Mr. Pickles [our boss] was giving me a hard time today because I released 200 live rabbits into the office again.
Me: Haha, that Mr. Pickles! He's a real piece of shit!
Then Bob tells Mr. Pickles what I said. Then I'm like "Nuh-uh, I didn't say that, Bob is a liar.", then Bob pulls out a tape recorder. I'm like "Oh shit, he recorded the convo", and I laugh nervously and say "Who uses cassette tapes these days!?" and he presses play. At first, he plays a recording of him and his wife having sex, which causes him significant embarrassment, but he fast-forwards to the part where I called Mr. Pickles "a piece of shit". Then I'm like "BOB HOW DARE YOU. YOU BETRAYED ME."
Then someone asks me "What did you learn from that experience?" and I go "Never trust people."
Did I learn the correct lesson? Or perhaps I should learn not to do things that are clearly against company policy?
Hate the fact all my friends on facebook post 99% useless shit that has nothing to do with anything and why the hell would you surf FB while working anyways kinda annoys me when people get fired and it was their faulth and they try get sympathy oh well life sometimes gives more lemons.
Proud member of the " does not have a facebook and never will " club.
The whole system seems useless to me.
Anyways I don't feel bad for you for reasons already stated in the thread many times, good luck and I hope you don't repeat the same mistakes in the future.
On March 03 2012 16:23 ticklishmusic wrote: Wow, that's a terribly douchey move.
I'm pretty much only a kid (freshman in college) wirh no real job experience, but isn't there a way for you to appeal it? As you said, your manager supports you, and I'm sure you have other co-workers who can attest to your situation. I mean, from an outside standpoint, making a sarcastic remark about barely missing a goal is not that big of a deal. I feel like HR should really understand what happened. I mean, a million dollar store missing its target by a tiny bit isn't even that huge of a deal, given how big the company was, right?
You can also try and get some dirt on the person who you think got you fired. At least tell your co-workers what the douche did and make sure their life is hell.
If things don't work out I hope you'll find a new job! I'm sure that you can explain the situation to your future employer, and that they'll be happy to find such an excellent employee like you. It's your old company's loss if they so callously fire a valued employee.
I don't think you understand what proprietary means.
I'm aware of what it means, but the information seems pretty fucking trivial. It's like after you take a test and you bitch about "oh my god, fucking multiple multiple choice, I had the right answer, then I accidentally picked another letter as well." to a friend. Technically it's talking about the test and revealing information about it, but the chances of it affecting the overall performance on the test is approximately... zero.
There are actual huge violations, and there's tiny little slip ups. Big bad fortune 500 company shouldn't be such a whiny bitch about such a tiny mistake.
It seems trivial because you're a naive college freshman.
It's blabbing about internal sales figures that aren't supposed to be public. That reveals information to rival companies and potential customers and clients that isn't positive. It's not a stupid policy and it's certainly one that is easy to adhere to
Sounds like OP is in retail, so if I'm an analyst at a hedge fund / trading shop, I now have a data point on a particular retail chain's store revenue. I can extrapolate that, using national historic figures of retail sales across the country, to estimate what that company's FY revenue will be. If this is significantly above or below projections, I now have a market dislocation that I can exploit. In order to prevent such scenarios, public companies have very strict financial disclosure rules.
As many have said, the violation itself is quite bad, and the punishment is, in my view, just. I do however also agree that it sucks being backstabbed. It's why I consider every facet of my internet life to be public now.
You'd have no way of knowing if the information was accurate or not, even if the information was accessible to any random person. Which it sounds like it wasn't, otherwise friending her collegue wouldn't be an issue.
Even after reading your explanation this doesn't sound like a big deal at all. I mean, I can appreciate the fact that it's going to have consequences but I don't feel any more understanding towards those who come up and enforce the policy.
On March 04 2012 08:23 Mawi wrote: Hate the fact all my friends on facebook post 99% useless shit that has nothing to do with anything and why the hell would you surf FB while working anyways kinda annoys me when people get fired and it was their faulth and they try get sympathy oh well life sometimes gives more lemons.
Yeah I work for an Intelligence unit. My ass would get in trouble if I browsed Facebook at work.
I've been looking at Facebook a lot out of boredom at home, but there's nothing important on that website. I don't mind reading the random pointless posts my friends list people post. I sometimes contribute to the "pointless" posts.
Usually I'll just post a small comment for the day. The boss of the school I'm attending right now acknowledges Facebook. He made an analogy of Facebook being basically our online journals that we constantly update.
On March 03 2012 18:34 EvilTeletubby wrote: Actually, I make it a point not to... The only interactions I've ever had with facebook is... *drumroll* making a dummy account to intentionally catch an employee doing they shouldn't be doing (she was caught anyhow, but I just wanted to test a theory and I was 100% correct).
If you ever wondered how management spends their free time ... well, there ya go. For science, clearly.
Damn right. Emphasis on free time though, I did this while at home out of curiosity. Took a grand total of less than 5 minutes (most of that time was spent making the dummy account).
On March 03 2012 18:34 EvilTeletubby wrote: Actually, I make it a point not to... The only interactions I've ever had with facebook is... *drumroll* making a dummy account to intentionally catch an employee doing they shouldn't be doing (she was caught anyhow, but I just wanted to test a theory and I was 100% correct).
If you ever wondered how management spends their free time ... well, there ya go. For science, clearly.
Damn right. Emphasis on free time though, I did this while at home out of curiosity. Took a grand total of less than 5 minutes (most of that time was spent making the dummy account).
Fun you do the same job in your company and on this website. This must be a calling.
the fact that most people have no control over their facebook usage is pretty sad..the amount of people coming out of the woodwork proud they don't have one is staggering. there's seriously no reason to have or not have one, but I find that not having an account on facebook is more of a hindrance than a help. privacy concerns are retarded because you have absolute control of what you choose to let facebook know.
I also can't believe OP didn't realize that she shouldn't be disclosing private company information online. you learned the wrong lessons!
On March 03 2012 15:08 o[twist] wrote: i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons.
It's not just TL, this misguided sympathy for businesses is quite a social trend these days, especially in the US.
It's not sympathy for the business. It's knowing that the business can get into significant legal trouble if employees release details relating to things like earnings reports that aren't public information.
See, considering interests of a business you're not even a part of, legal consequences they might have or the damage they might have suffered is sympathy.
I don't think anyone disagrees with the rational premise of the situation. I'm talking about the personal angle a lot of people take, the tone in which they say/write it. The subtle vibe in this thread has pretty much been "you stupid idiot, you deserved it and you better have learned your lesson" since page 1.
......... I still fail to see how that is in any way whatsoever sympathy for the business? Yes, a few of us brought it up but most are referring to her actions and how she knew the consequences but did it anyways based on (misplaced) trust.
I think they're two completely different things you're trying to lump together. -_-
On March 03 2012 18:34 Animzor wrote: Why do adults have Facebook? That is the question.
Actually, I make it a point not to... The only interactions I've ever had with facebook is... *drumroll* making a dummy account to intentionally catch an employee doing they shouldn't be doing (she was caught anyhow, but I just wanted to test a theory and I was 100% correct).
Seriously, there is like NO FUCKING REASON to have a facebook (or at least, to put ANYTHING that might come back to haunt you later on it).
Really?
I actually have friends and family that live out of state that I like to keep in touch with... I moved to Ohio last year after living in FL for 21 years. It's isolating here.
Perhaps you don't have many friends/family/etc that you feel the need to keep up with? I don't know. But saying there's no reason to have a facebook is ridiculous. You just have to use it properly.
Someone else (a few pages ago, and one of the few TLers that actually READ my freakin' post) mentioned that I'm not looking for sympathy.
I'm just pissed someone I trusted betrayed me, and it's simply infuriating. But it's totally my fault and I know that. I made the post to remind those who may be in a similar position (getting careless with co-workers on facebook) that they need to be careful and not take such a huge risk.
That's it.
Also, my facebook is completely private and can only be viewed by friends. Which are only people that I know personally. The comments like that hedge fund manager post (?) are irrelevant because my facebook isn't public. This girl was the first co-worker I've ever actually added, ever. So I thought I'd remind people out there not to get careless and make the same mistake.
I feel for you Porcelain. Shitty, shitty way to get fired, despite the rationale behind it.
To all of you almost giddily pointing fingers and saying "Well she DESERVED it, look, look, she knew about proprietary information" have forgotten what its like to be a human being and make a very simple mistake. Jesus. Are you really so straight edge and "by the book" that you not only look over your shoulder all the time for any possible error, you expect everyone does the same?
Some empathy here, is what I'm talking about. This is a shitty time to lose a job, and a cunt of a co-worker who lost it for her. It's a very harsh punishment for what was said. And this is a good Goddamn time to be an employer. They can have these zero tolerance rules because for anyone they kick out (or threaten to) there's a dozen people knocking down their doors for a job. So maybe don't feel as much for the big company as you seem to.
Anyway Porc, that blows. Good luck, eh? And if you spend much time on TL, it's generally a great community to kick around with. I know I did when i was unemployed for a couple months.
On March 03 2012 15:08 o[twist] wrote: i don't comment on these sorts of things often, i just thought i would note my consistent surprise at the extent to which TLers assume that large entities do the things they do for good reasons.
It's not just TL, this misguided sympathy for businesses is quite a social trend these days, especially in the US.
It's not sympathy for the business. It's knowing that the business can get into significant legal trouble if employees release details relating to things like earnings reports that aren't public information.
See, considering interests of a business you're not even a part of, legal consequences they might have or the damage they might have suffered is sympathy.
I don't think anyone disagrees with the rational premise of the situation. I'm talking about the personal angle a lot of people take, the tone in which they say/write it. The subtle vibe in this thread has pretty much been "you stupid idiot, you deserved it and you better have learned your lesson" since page 1.
......... I still fail to see how that is in any way whatsoever sympathy for the business? Yes, a few of us brought it up but most are referring to her actions and how she knew the consequences but did it anyways based on (misplaced) trust.
I think they're two completely different things you're trying to lump together. -_-
On March 03 2012 18:34 Animzor wrote: Why do adults have Facebook? That is the question.
Actually, I make it a point not to... The only interactions I've ever had with facebook is... *drumroll* making a dummy account to intentionally catch an employee doing they shouldn't be doing (she was caught anyhow, but I just wanted to test a theory and I was 100% correct).
Seriously, there is like NO FUCKING REASON to have a facebook (or at least, to put ANYTHING that might come back to haunt you later on it).
Really?
I actually have friends and family that live out of state that I like to keep in touch with... I moved to Ohio last year after living in FL for 21 years. It's isolating here.
Perhaps you don't have many friends/family/etc that you feel the need to keep up with? I don't know. But saying there's no reason to have a facebook is ridiculous. You just have to use it properly.
Someone else (a few pages ago, and one of the few TLers that actually READ my freakin' post) mentioned that I'm not looking for sympathy.
I'm just pissed someone I trusted betrayed me, and it's simply infuriating. But it's totally my fault and I know that. I made the post to remind those who may be in a similar position (getting careless with co-workers on facebook) that they need to be careful and not take such a huge risk.
That's it.
Also, my facebook is completely private and can only be viewed by friends. Which are only people that I know personally. The comments like that hedge fund manager post (?) are irrelevant because my facebook isn't public. This girl was the first co-worker I've ever actually added, ever. So I thought I'd remind people out there not to get careless and make the same mistake.
Hey Porcelain, thanks for sharing and I guess you needed to get off your chest; for me the main thing I take out of it, isn't the entire FB thingy, obviously you knew what you doing and the risk/consequences, but you trusted that backstabbing bitch and I'm sure that is what really gets to you.
As someone who has worked in some very politically charged corporate settings, I'd say the real lesson here isn't the obvious one about what is the nature of FB and disclosing company info - I mean we all get that - it is a matter of actually having blurred the lines between friends and work.
I've also come to learn the hard way, there are very very few true friends in the place that you work, simply because everyone has their own expectations and when there is career and financial rewards involved, that usually will supersede most everything else. There are very few people who put loyalty first in front of career when you made your friendship at work. It isn't to say that I haven't made some good friends through work, but we've also shared a lot of time outside of work.
I really sympathize for you, but it also seems that you are really great at your job, and the reality is, most people just go through the motions, I have no doubt that you will be able to rock your next job and this is a lesson better learned now than when you're about to be VP. =)
I work at an adult club. I, as well as other employees that have the same job title, are highly experienced in our field. Thus, we are employed within the confines of a famous brand of clubs. Given this, one of our job functions is to find which employees we are compatible with, add them to Facebook, other social media networks, get their phone numbers, and interact as if we are friends with said employees. We're to find out things about them, and observe them. If their conduct, habits, behaviors, or otherwise are not up to par, we are obligated by contract to report them and keep logs of our findings strictly to and for specific superiors. One of the basic observations is to watch their social media networks, and what they post. Granted, I live in a state with labor laws equivalent to a third world country. My point there is that it's strictly business, so I'd imagine small operations like mine exist on a more competent and regular level in states with genuinely protective labor laws.
Moral of the story: Same as yours. Never trust someone you work with past a certain degree of confidence.
On March 03 2012 09:15 Porcelain wrote: My district manager cried when she gave me the termination letter. I am valued. I know this through feedback and reviews. I was one of the best actually. It's extremely unfortunate, but they take this really seriously. Some woman in HR that I've never heard of/met doesn't realize who she's forcing my DM to terminate. I'm just a number to them, because of how large the company is.
Your story is regrettable, and it doesn't help that the retail world can be pretty unforgiving.
I work in an industry (animation production, as a digital lighter) where confidentiality is taken very seriously, but at the same time there are a lot of young employees who don't really understand. The worst case I've ever heard of was someone who was walked out of the workplace by FBI agents, but there are many more occasional terminations and subsequent letters sent out reminding everyone to avoid talking about work on the Internet or elsewhere.
If one's going to talk about work in public, one has to take great care to understand exactly what the confidentiality concerns of the employer are and remain within that. It's tough to do, and in most cases the best thing to do is just not talk about work at all. I have a number of Twitter followers based on having written a commonly-used textbook in the field, so I do talk about the nature of my work sometimes, but I don't name clients, vendors, or talk about details of our business. The result is that there's nothing there with which my employer would take issue. I act as though they're reading it actively, though they're probably not.
Anyway, lesson learned. I'm so sorry that you had to go through this!!
That's regrettable Porc, but that's also the reason why I don't post anything related to work unless I can read it pretending to be my boss/co-worker and absolutely find no fault with what I just posted.
Sometimes the corporate ladder can be a bitch and there will be people who would backstab you just to get ahead in the rat race. Take it as a lesson and come out smarter, stronger and don't make the same mistakes again.
On March 03 2012 08:19 TidusX.Yuna wrote: You shouldn't be saying anything incriminating at all. How much self control does it honestly take to not post that stupid status.
When this country was ruled by the actual government, we had this thing called "freedom of speech", where you were free to say whatever the fuck you wanted in your free time. Wasn't that awesome? Now it's "I'm sorry, you have the wrong opinion so you don't deserve to have money to eat. Please die." You're right though, since it's now common place that you're employer wants to have complete control of your life you should try to not publically say or do anything that could lead to you being fired.
On March 05 2012 18:36 Game wrote: I work at an adult club. I, as well as other employees that have the same job title, are highly experienced in our field. Thus, we are employed within the confines of a famous brand of clubs. Given this, one of our job functions is to find which employees we are compatible with, add them to Facebook, other social media networks, get their phone numbers, and interact as if we are friends with said employees. We're to find out things about them, and observe them. If their conduct, habits, behaviors, or otherwise are not up to par, we are obligated by contract to report them and keep logs of our findings strictly to and for specific superiors. One of the basic observations is to watch their social media networks, and what they post. Granted, I live in a state with labor laws equivalent to a third world country. My point there is that it's strictly business, so I'd imagine small operations like mine exist on a more competent and regular level in states with genuinely protective labor laws.
Moral of the story: Same as yours. Never trust someone you work with past a certain degree of confidence.
Pretty sure the only thing you could get them in any trouble for is if they reveal company secrets, no? As far as I know there's already an act that prohibits employers from being able to punish an employee for what they do in their personal life online unless they are specifically giving out private details about their company?
On March 05 2012 18:36 Game wrote: I work at an adult club. I, as well as other employees that have the same job title, are highly experienced in our field. Thus, we are employed within the confines of a famous brand of clubs. Given this, one of our job functions is to find which employees we are compatible with, add them to Facebook, other social media networks, get their phone numbers, and interact as if we are friends with said employees. We're to find out things about them, and observe them. If their conduct, habits, behaviors, or otherwise are not up to par, we are obligated by contract to report them and keep logs of our findings strictly to and for specific superiors. One of the basic observations is to watch their social media networks, and what they post. Granted, I live in a state with labor laws equivalent to a third world country. My point there is that it's strictly business, so I'd imagine small operations like mine exist on a more competent and regular level in states with genuinely protective labor laws.
Moral of the story: Same as yours. Never trust someone you work with past a certain degree of confidence.
Pretty sure the only thing you could get them in any trouble for is if they reveal company secrets, no? As far as I know there's already an act that prohibits employers from being able to punish an employee for what they do in their personal life online unless they are specifically giving out private details about their company?
employers in ohio can fire you for any/no reason at all as far as i know - so it doesn't matter
On March 05 2012 18:36 Game wrote: I work at an adult club. I, as well as other employees that have the same job title, are highly experienced in our field. Thus, we are employed within the confines of a famous brand of clubs. Given this, one of our job functions is to find which employees we are compatible with, add them to Facebook, other social media networks, get their phone numbers, and interact as if we are friends with said employees. We're to find out things about them, and observe them. If their conduct, habits, behaviors, or otherwise are not up to par, we are obligated by contract to report them and keep logs of our findings strictly to and for specific superiors. One of the basic observations is to watch their social media networks, and what they post. Granted, I live in a state with labor laws equivalent to a third world country. My point there is that it's strictly business, so I'd imagine small operations like mine exist on a more competent and regular level in states with genuinely protective labor laws.
Moral of the story: Same as yours. Never trust someone you work with past a certain degree of confidence.
If strip clubs are doing this, what is everyone else doing!?
Mind blown.
Question for the OP, were you outright fired for this? Was this one of several issues that you'd had at work?
It seems really odd that after your having been "with this corporation for a long time and I'm a valued employee", that you'd be canned without a warning or something like that.
On March 05 2012 18:36 Game wrote: I work at an adult club. I, as well as other employees that have the same job title, are highly experienced in our field. Thus, we are employed within the confines of a famous brand of clubs. Given this, one of our job functions is to find which employees we are compatible with, add them to Facebook, other social media networks, get their phone numbers, and interact as if we are friends with said employees. We're to find out things about them, and observe them. If their conduct, habits, behaviors, or otherwise are not up to par, we are obligated by contract to report them and keep logs of our findings strictly to and for specific superiors. One of the basic observations is to watch their social media networks, and what they post. Granted, I live in a state with labor laws equivalent to a third world country. My point there is that it's strictly business, so I'd imagine small operations like mine exist on a more competent and regular level in states with genuinely protective labor laws.
Moral of the story: Same as yours. Never trust someone you work with past a certain degree of confidence.
If strip clubs are doing this, what is everyone else doing!?
Mind blown.
Don't trust anything that Game says, should be common knowledge by now lol
On March 03 2012 08:44 Soleron wrote: I went to look at US law so you could possibly appeal but it looks like workers don't get rights in your country (most states). Wow.
Hm? Not sure where you were looking, workers are afforded a LOT of rights and protections here (too many sometimes IMO, but I just say that because I'm often on the other side of it - but I would rather have the individual over protected than under protected).
I was looking at "right to work" laws. Some of the arguments against these laws claim people can just be fired for any reason. Is that an exaggeration?
Are there government-mandated appeal options against firing? Are there reasons one cannot be fired pertaining to outside of job speech?
Mmm... Yes and No.
Many places do indeed have guidelines that allow for easy dismissal of an employee at any time, but employees are never going to fired for 'any reason' due to how unemployment compensation works. Long story short, if you get fired from your job, you have the right to request unemployment pay (which is state run but ultimately the money pool comes from the companies themselves, so it is in the company's best interest to have as few people paid unemployment as possible). If you're granted unemployment pay, the company then has an opportunity to demonstrate that you do not qualify for the pay, typically due to gross misconduct of company policies or other legal violations, and can request a reversal of benefits. If the ex-employee is still granted unemployment by the state, the company can decide to appeal. This will lead to a hearing with the ex-employee and representatives for the company, which functions much like a court trial (both sides present evidence, make their statements, etc.). Once the hearing is over, the arbitrator for the state makes their judgement.
An ex-employee could take it beyond just unemployment benefits, and actually sue the company for lost wages and compensation if they were falsely terminated. This can end up costing a company quite a bit of money obviously, both in the actual compensation to the employee and in lawyer costs.
It might be technically easy to go through the act of firing someone, but I can assure you it's not simply done without good, justifiable, legal reasons due to the costs to the company if they're found to be in the wrong.
To go back to an issue from a few pages ago; if she works for a publically traded company and the "million dollar store mark" was a major initiative, posting this before the company has officially released information about it could be construed as insider trading. Which, as I'm sure you know, is really bad.
I don't know what you're on about in the last few pages about not having a facebook. (sorry this makes you sound like an 80 year old grandpa :D) For those of us under the age of 24-25 not having a facebook is kind of like going into social isolation. I just graduated college, and I can tell you that in the last few years the only way I've recieved party invitations is through facebook. (and yes, I did get invited to parties -.-) It's convinient, it's fast, everyone is on it.
Real moral of this story is, if you company has a social networking HR policy make sure you read it and follow it. These things are serious business. I know the OP claims that this girl was out to get her, but releasing that kind of information is a major deal. They were well within their right to fire her.
Still it sucks you lost your job, but hopefully you learned some things from this experience the same things don't happen to you again in the future. :/
I actually have friends and family that live out of state that I like to keep in touch with... I moved to Ohio last year after living in FL for 21 years. It's isolating here.
Perhaps you don't have many friends/family/etc that you feel the need to keep up with? I don't know. But saying there's no reason to have a facebook is ridiculous. You just have to use it properly.
Reading this statement about facebook just sounds so , so wrong to me, but I guess nowadays I am the vast minority with my opinion: Of course you can stay in touch with family and friends without facebook. Even if fb makes it a little easier, I think an email, a letter or a phone call from a beloved person will be way more appreciated than some random facebook post.
Im sorry you got betrayed in such a way and I didnt want to comment otherwise on that situation, because there is clearly nothing I can say you dont already know. Good Luck in finding a new job! Maybe it will be an even better one than the old one , who knows? If one door closes.
Oh and @TheToast I am below 25 years old, going to college(sort of) and I dont feel socially isolated in any way.
On March 05 2012 18:36 Game wrote: I work at an adult club. I, as well as other employees that have the same job title, are highly experienced in our field. Thus, we are employed within the confines of a famous brand of clubs. Given this, one of our job functions is to find which employees we are compatible with, add them to Facebook, other social media networks, get their phone numbers, and interact as if we are friends with said employees. We're to find out things about them, and observe them. If their conduct, habits, behaviors, or otherwise are not up to par, we are obligated by contract to report them and keep logs of our findings strictly to and for specific superiors. One of the basic observations is to watch their social media networks, and what they post. Granted, I live in a state with labor laws equivalent to a third world country. My point there is that it's strictly business, so I'd imagine small operations like mine exist on a more competent and regular level in states with genuinely protective labor laws.
Moral of the story: Same as yours. Never trust someone you work with past a certain degree of confidence.
Pretty sure the only thing you could get them in any trouble for is if they reveal company secrets, no? As far as I know there's already an act that prohibits employers from being able to punish an employee for what they do in their personal life online unless they are specifically giving out private details about their company?
EPT
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