5 Ways to Get Fired Over Your Facebook Posts
Everybody gripes about their job at some point. But bear in mind that if you do so over the web, you face the risk of being on the receiving end of a social media firing. We've all heard stories about people getting fired over Facebook.
Many tend to forget that their Facebook and Twitter feeds often aren't as "private" as you would think.
So what are some ways your career can meet an early demise due to a social media misstep?
1. Insult your clients or customers.
One waitress from North Carolina launched into a profanity-laced tirade on her Facebook page about a couple that tipped her only $5 and forced her to stay beyond her quitting time.
2. Prematurely insult your future employer on Twitter.
California woman Connor Riley was offered a job at tech company Cisco. She tweeted: "Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work." A Cisco employee saw the Twitter post. Riley ended up turning down the job.
3. Remember Rep. Anthony Weiner?
Posting inappropriate photos of yourself -- including body parts -- might not get you the best attention. In fact, it could become the driving force behind your early resignation.
4. Post information that is considered "confidential" or "secret."
A court dismissed a UK juror after she posted information about the trial. She also requested her friends help her decide which way to vote, because apparently she was on the fence. Not a great idea -- the information was supposed to be confidential.
5. Write offensive comments.
A Walmart employee wrote on his MySpace page that if bombs were dropped on his company's stores the nation's average IQ would increase. He was fired.
Not all social media firings are perfectly acceptable. You can be fired over some Facebook comments, but not all. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 allows employees to complain about certain work issues such as safety, pay, and other conditions at the office.
Related Resources:
- 8 Ways to Get Fired Because of Social Media (Career Rookie)
- 12 outrageous job losses due to mishandling social media (Ragan)
- Employers Want to Fire Over Facebook, But Can't (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- Should You Follow Employees on Twitter? (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)