Leaving My Job before We Have to Go into Office

John678 on 17/12/2020 - 18:23

I’ve had a really difficult year:

  • mother died of cancer. She was early 60s
  • partner of 4 years broke up with me

To cut a long story short, my work gave me a written warning because of something I posted on my social media account they thought was disrespectful.
I had to engage a lawyer to fight for me, it was ugly.
I took weeks off following the warning due to stress.

I’ve checked out and cannot stand the company. I do the bare minimum. I avoid meetings.

I’ve managed to get by because of WFH but with a return to the office soon, the thought of being face to face with the people that dragged me through a kangaroo court for something non work related, gives me anxiety.

Everything is awkward, I’m angry and I’m concerned going back in will screw my fragile state. The relationship with managers is non existent. They are nit picking at everything I do and I feel a performance plan is on the horizon.

I don’t want to go back and face them. Is this a scenario where quitting is ok?

Education & Work

Comments

        • Skinnerr on 20/12/2020 - 00:27

          have you any other notable attributes?

          Glad you asked. I'm a skilled shitposter and have been trolling Facebook for years.

      • jimdotpud on 18/12/2020 - 10:49
        +4

        This seems a rather strange thing to pick you up on, is there anything in your code of conduct/employment terms that says you are not supposed to post such things on social media? Was it just "dog", "coward" or was it more derogatory than that and you can't repeat it here?

        I wouldn't allow myself to get fired, that doesn't look good for you and future employment. Maintain all expectations and performance levels of your role whilst looking for another job somewhere else. Stay level headed, find something else, give your required notice period and get out as smooth as possible.

        I don’t want to go back and face them. Is this a scenario where quitting is ok?

        Remember this, you owe them nothing other than the effort required to perform the assigned role, in return they pay you a wage. It's an employment contract, plain and simple. In the terms of the contract it usually states things that are required from both sides, including notice periods if either side wants to end the contract.
        If there is nothing in your contract or code of conduct that states that what you did on social media was against the agreements made (and given you've stated that your lawyer managed to turn it around i'd assume that they had no leg to stand on in the first place), then I'd say pack up and go, these aren't the kind of people who you will feel comfortable working for or with anymore.

    • mincemeat on 18/12/2020 - 09:31

      Are you a middle manager by any chance?

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 17/12/2020 - 20:37
    +4

    My understanding of social media laws, whilst the employee only uses social media completely outside of work hours, is as follows:-

    1. You are not allowed to criticise your employer e.g if you want to be critical of your work, why are you still there - that's the idea
    2. You are not allowed to criticise or post stuff about your employees without consent; e.g friday work drinks and one of your colleague is drunk lying on the ground without their top on (because you know red wine stains etc)
    3. You are not allowed to post things which suggest you are not able to do your work properly e.g you work in a butcher but on the weekend you go to anti-meat protest rallies

    Whilst this part of the law is evolving I believe there is case law regarding this. I'll link it when I can.

    Some legal firm's opinions…

    https://sprintlaw.com.au/employee-social-media-use/

    https://hallandwilcox.com.au/thinking/employer-ordered-to-re…

    • capslock janitor on 19/12/2020 - 15:35

      butcher but on the weekend you go to anti-meat protest rallies

      some people like to live a double life lol

  • Ghost47 on 17/12/2020 - 21:23

    Sorry to hear about your problems, sounds like it would be (profanity) hard. Don't see why leaving would be a bad idea, would be a bonus if you can get a decent reference considering what you've said.

  • dizzle on 17/12/2020 - 22:05
    +14

    I’ve checked out and cannot stand the company. I do the bare minimum. I avoid meetings.

    They are nit picking at everything I do and I feel a performance plan is on the horizon.

    It follows that if you're doing minimum and avoiding work like meetings, then yes a performance plan would be very close and the first step in working you out of the business.

    Not sure what else you expect if you've checked out already.

  • Feeblely on 17/12/2020 - 22:13

    I'm intrigued! What did you post?

    • John678 on 17/12/2020 - 22:51
      +1

      I replied to a comment on social media and called someone (a random who I don’t know) a “dog”, “coward”..for dobbing in their neighbours for what they assumed what breaking covid 19 people at your house number limits.

      Work decided this offence was serious and invited me to a disciplinary meeting. I believe they were going to terminate my employment however the lawyer was able to turn the tables and I was able to keep my job.

      • DemocracyManifest on 18/12/2020 - 00:16
        +1

        There's been a few cases in social media groups where people have rang users employers when they've had disagreements over varying levels of seriousness and its ended in warnings as well, good idea in getting the lawyer in

      • lew380 on 18/12/2020 - 13:02

        It's a shame your management are such morons, who are trying to force their opinions and views onto their staff. What you said was mean, but they can't be mean to you about being mean on the Internet?!?!

        • MrBear on 19/12/2020 - 14:03

          What you said was mean, but they can't be mean to you about being mean

          Why is OP allowed to be mean but not the employer? That's a double standard.

        • Zachary on 19/12/2020 - 22:51

          What you said was mean, but they can't be mean to you about being mean on the Internet?!?!

          What do you think about this one: there was a guy who was stalking discord channels chasing after girls. The discord groups mod banned him (after they found out he was harassing them) and reported him to his workplace which got him fired. This guy was also doing it out of hours too, not in hours and obviously nothing to do with the place he works at. He was merely trying to pickup internet girls…. But john here….was just merely trying to be a keyboard warrior…..and he got fired …or was about to anyways until the lawyers told them "Im the law here bitch, keep this man on or face my wrath!"

          • PAOK11 on 20/12/2020 - 11:29

            @Zachary: Lol @ "im the law bitch, keep this man or face my wrath".

            If would have been better if he got sacked. The situation is only going to get worse for OP. He would have had a claim for unfair dismissal. Imo its really hard to score a job while your working full time. Especially when your dealing with over demanding bosses that are looking for any reason to sack you.

          • lew380 on 20/12/2020 - 13:18
            +1

            @Zachary: I don't think anyone should be fired for their opinions, or mean things on the Internet, it's very subjective. You obviously can't incite or incourage violence, I would draw the line there.

            Take an example if I was an employer (right wing) and noticed my employees promoting hard left wing communist BS on the Internet, I can't just fire them for violating my percieved "standards of integrity" by declaring that communism and left wing talking points are violence. That's true tyrrany!

            The op was targeted for disagreeing with the covid police state narrative. I couldn't think of a single person who hasn't used an expletive to a stranger on the Internet, being mean isn't illegal or punishable. If everyone who calls someone a **** dog on the Internet gets fired, Australia would lose 95% of its workforce!

            If the op had insulted some flat earther or religious person, the managers would have just laughed and given him a pay rise, it's not about words, it's political.

            • BartholemewH on 20/12/2020 - 15:12
              +1

              @lew380: The OP was targeted because a co-worker who doesn't like him probably reported it to management. Management probsbly don't care about the post (would they care if posted by any other employee?) and are looking for an 'any excuse will do' to get rid of him. I'd expect more of the same going forward.

            • endolphin on 20/12/2020 - 23:03
              +1

              @lew380:

              I couldn't think of a single person who hasn't used an expletive to a stranger on the Internet

              Ahh, what? Can't say I ever have, or even come close to (in my own name). Commenting on a public facebook page/post is just that - public! When you offend a random you have NO idea what sort of crazy reaction it might bring about. The OP has learnt this lesson. I don't agree with the sacking though. I think a quiet word and asking to remove the post would have been completely adequate.

        • MrSammyMcG on 20/12/2020 - 17:39
          +1

          I feel that's a well balanced comment. What he said wasn't polite but it doesn't reflect the employer in any way. As usual Ozb users seem to be bandwagoning whatever is most popular in the media. If it was in support of covid rules and the employer still reacted the same way then they would be agreeing with John. I feel it's political discussion causing the conflict on this thread. In my eyes he's entitled to say his piece (ideally respectfully but it's not the employers business) and obviously in a way that doesn't being the business into disrepute etc.

      • The-Kremlin on 19/12/2020 - 15:42
        +4

        It seems likely that they may have already had in mind letting you go and this 'incident' was the straw that broke the camel's back? Because this alone to nearly get fired is ridiculous.

        • John678 on 19/12/2020 - 19:36
          +1

          Exactly. And I had scored high on my mid year appraisal just weeks earlier.

        • Aneurism on 20/12/2020 - 00:15
          -1

          Most large companies and responsible companies have a social media policy as their reputation is held in the limelight and can be held under pressure against what their employees post if it goes against the grain of social norm or does not fit company policy.

          Although some actions might warrant warnings, there are others that are considered serious enough offenses to release an employee.
          https://www.employmentlawonline.com.au/can-i-be-fired-for-co…

          Obviously those situations might be hard to assess objectively for the involved parties and neutral arbitration is sometimes needed.

          Getting fired is not ridiculous under this circumstance. It is a possible reality and people need to be very careful what they write online on any platform whether they believe it is private or not.

          Personally, if I had a company, I wouldn't want to be hiring someone who has been active on social media spouting conspiracy policies or being associated with controversial groups or spouting racist stuff either. It is quite possible to be highly functional but also regarded controversial at the same time. Look at Peter Evans. These days, large companies seem to want no direct association with him or people with covid denier rants.

          • Skinnerr on 20/12/2020 - 00:29
            +1

            @Aneurism: And then there's companies like HSBC who willingly trade billions of dollars with Narco terrorists, or Nike/Apple who use slave labour.

            • Aneurism on 20/12/2020 - 11:33
              +1

              @Skinnerr: @Skinnerr which is a straw man argument and contributes nothing relevant to the actual situation related to the OP.

              • Skinnerr on 20/12/2020 - 19:53
                +2

                @Aneurism: It's technically a whattaboutism, not a strawman. But I disagree it's definitely relevant to the conversation - which is the reputation.

      • sal78 on 24/12/2020 - 07:10

        If your lawyer was able to turn it around then they were wrong.

        How is that in any way in relation to your job. As you have already won once, if they do anything to you you def have grounds go take legal actions.

        In the case, relationship is strained but they will be extremely careful with how they treat you. I think they will even be nice to you to avoid matters escalating.

        If that was all that you say it was then that's just the craziest thing I've heard.

        Were you using work computer and time to post?

  • SlavOz on 17/12/2020 - 22:45
    +6

    Don't use Facebook mate. If you want to express controversial opinions good on ya, but that's what Reddit, Twitter, and discussion forums are for. Just keep your tag anonymous.

    • lew380 on 21/12/2020 - 16:20
      +1

      Very true, and also delete all those sites, they don't allow freedom of expression. If you can speak freely, you can't think outside of a small box! Parlour is a good free thinking site but probably too right wing nut job for most people at the moment.

      • SlavOz on 22/12/2020 - 17:07

        Very true. Reddit has become an echo chamber of radical progressives policing every thought on the platform. So much for tolerance.

        • lew380 on 23/12/2020 - 10:07

          Freedom is not a natural right, censcorship and intolerance are natural. Platforms that acknowledge this and are able to see past their own bias were for a time common place, but is basically dead except for a few "dark Web" hideouts. Parlour, gab and others

  • miwahni on 18/12/2020 - 01:33
    +6

    Firstly I'm really sorry that you've had such a horrible year. Losing your mum is not easy. Secondly - absolutely no reason why you should stay in your current job. In your circumstances I would definitely be resigning.
    I hope 2021 is better for you.

  • onetwothreefour on 18/12/2020 - 06:23

    Didn't see you on this thread OP

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/590994

  • Austaurean on 18/12/2020 - 08:12
    +2

    I think this shows that we all should think about having two (2) social accounts, one that is private, as in for friends/family etc and one that is work related…
    Not that we should have to either, but thats the way the world is going.

    Also people are getting so dam prissy and need to get over things, grow up and move on.
    If something was posted in work time about a work colleague or the business, then maybe fair enough.

    Also goes to show, be careful who you accept to have on social media, plus make sure your settings are set so friends of friends cant see..

    • John678 on 18/12/2020 - 09:15
      +3

      I had no work colleagues on it. Someone searched LinkedIn via my name and sent it anonymously to my work.

      • burningrage on 19/12/2020 - 18:10
        +2

        This is why I wouldnt post on social media at all.

        Instead of bringing benefits, the troubles (or potential troubles rather) it might bring doesnt make it worthwhile.

        • MrSammyMcG on 20/12/2020 - 17:41

          Yeah I feel that too. Not worth the trouble.

      • Cheaplikethebird on 21/12/2020 - 12:13
        +2

        Wow they looked you up on LinkedIn just to dob you in? Sounds like you were right, this person is a dog!

        • Baghern on 21/12/2020 - 22:24

          I bet he said more than that, enough for someone to look up his employer… bad enough for his employer to try and fire him.

          Its pretty hard to fire someone, hence why the lawyers won.

          Its bad enough that the office environment is toxic…

          What the bet he has a shitty attitude at work before this as well.

          • Cheaplikethebird on 22/12/2020 - 08:44

            @Baghern: Maybe but I'd say more likely it wasn't the dog comment at all that led the person to dob in OP but the fact that he made anti-masker comments.

            From your comments I would assume you were a shitty person to work with also, so…

    • dizzle on 18/12/2020 - 09:23
      +1

      Or we can just not say or do things that reflect poorly on ourselves, our family and our workplace. Some people just need some self control.

      I take the view that if it's OK for my mother to see on a public network, then anyone I don't know, or even employers should have no problem with it.

      • capslock janitor on 19/12/2020 - 15:38

        pppl like to vent on SM every once in a while

      • grasstown on 19/12/2020 - 20:32
        +1

        I liked the Australia where we called people who dobbed such stuff to authorities unaustralian. We were like that before now

        • capslock janitor on 20/12/2020 - 09:53
          +1

          it's the australian way (?)

          • grasstown on 20/12/2020 - 13:18

            @capslock janitor: Aussies never snitch

            • dizzle on 20/12/2020 - 21:16
              +2

              @grasstown: I'd beg to differ. If you watch A Current Affair, where do you think they find out about the dole-bludgers, dodgy tradesmen, thieving sons, squatters, insurance frauds, etc?

        • Baghern on 21/12/2020 - 22:29
          +2

          yes…. the days where tradies brutalised their apprentices and no one said anything

          • grasstown on 21/12/2020 - 22:55
            -1

            @Baghern: Of course you pick something even I wouldn’t agree with. No I mean the days when we helped others out of trouble with the law.

  • Hardlyworkin on 18/12/2020 - 08:20
    +5

    Same job as this one https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/369055 you were looking to leave from in 2018 after getting overlooked for a promotion?

  • Cheaplikethebird on 18/12/2020 - 09:11
    +2

    Sounds like you were on the radar already if they picked up on a comment you made. That or you have someone on your friends list that took issue and dobbed you in.

  • RecklessMonkeys on 18/12/2020 - 09:13

    It's not especially nice calling people names. Do you think that maybe they have a point?
    If so, that gives both parties something to work with.

  • OzHunterNSW on 18/12/2020 - 09:36

    Speak to your solicitor.
    You may be entitled to a compo claim relating to stress placed upon you within your working environment.
    Sounds as though you are having conflicts within your self. It has affected your work, your relationship.
    Go to India and enrol in a meditation course…. seek re-balance in your life.

    • mjwills on 18/12/2020 - 10:48

      A compo claim is going to be very hard to win here when the OP has already stated that the stress is largely external to work.

  • mincemeat on 18/12/2020 - 09:40
    +12

    I'd go see your doc mate, explain as you have done here, you're clearly under a lot of stress in your personal losses and under duress from work.
    Then write to your employer and ask to continue working from home for a period of time until you have recovered. Not a fluffy letter either. I'd go all in with reasons why and not leave them any room to refuse, but you will have to judge whats right there.
    If you prevail there, use the time to find a better job etc, but I wouldn't give in so easily, Australia has strict HR standards and this has clearly affected your mental wellbeing.

    • John678 on 18/12/2020 - 11:13
      +5

      Thanks. I really like that idea. My anxiety is awful at moment. I can’t look strangers in the eyes without freezing up and turning to the ground. Work interactions would be HELL.

      It was the way they went about it. They could have asked me to remove it via a normal chat. Instead I got a call from upper management saying you’re coming to a meeting with HR about your personal life.

      • Cheaplikethebird on 18/12/2020 - 12:08
        +11

        Mate I got fired for a bullshit bullying claim, took it to fair work and won. The biggest thing I struggled with was the idea that maybe I'm a shitty person deep down, really messed with my self worth. It passes but definitely helps talking with your friends and family and doing general acts of kindness, things that reassure you that you are actually a good person. Everyone's an a-hole from someone's perspective.

        EDIT: I too was going through a breakup at the time which added to the feelings of worthlessness.

      • MrBear on 19/12/2020 - 14:05
        +2

        My anxiety is awful at moment.

        And how does the person you called a "dog" feel? No empathy there?

        • MessyG on 19/12/2020 - 22:07
          +7

          You know that's really unhelpful. OP is asking for help. They have more than paid for what happened. Back off, what you're doing is just as bad.

          • MrBear on 20/12/2020 - 13:05
            +3

            @MessyG: Is it? OP is playing the victim card after victimising someone else and then having to face the consequences. At no point does he say he is sorry or apologise for his actions. No remorse at all.

            • Cheaplikethebird on 20/12/2020 - 14:10
              +1

              @MrBear: They called someone a 'dog' on social media, hardly extreme and in no way deserving of losing their employment. If it were then half the country would be unemployed. 'Dog' is gentle. Mate in my BBQ groups there have been death threats and police involvement over F vs C arguments.

              OP has described experiencing what sounds like fairly high levels of anxiety over the thought of returning to work - I'm sure they've spent a lot of time thinking about their actions, that's not the point of this post.

              EDIT: Ah just saw your other post MrBear, sounds like you just dislike OP on ideological grounds (masker v anti-masker)

              • serpserpserp on 20/12/2020 - 22:25
                -1

                @Cheaplikethebird: There are so many layers to this post. But most importantly…

                Mate in my BBQ groups

                There are BBQ groups? Like did you sign up online to attend a BBQ? We truly live in a beautiful world…

              • Baghern on 21/12/2020 - 22:30
                -1

                @Cheaplikethebird: You think an employer tries to boot someone over the word 'dog'….

                Op is playing victim

                • Cheaplikethebird on 22/12/2020 - 08:32

                  @Baghern: I take it you’ve never experienced periods of intense anxiety? There are major mental health red flags all over OPs posts, I don’t think they’re playing victim. Only a simple person would read what he’s said and still feel the need to come in here and flex their ‘intelligence’ in internet arguments with strangers instead of offering support.

            • serpserpserp on 20/12/2020 - 22:23

              @MrBear:

              Is it?

              Yeah. It isn't helpful.

      • mincemeat on 21/12/2020 - 12:27
        +1

        take everything you've said there straight to your doc.

  • Bob Svargis on 18/12/2020 - 13:42

    Just find a new job and leave? Maybe I'm just simple I guess.

  • angryasian on 18/12/2020 - 16:58

    Find a new job and give them notice. Use up sick leave ! Put your Facebook on private or delete. Don’t add people from work. Don’t make comments you don’t want in public record.

    Book into your 10 free psychology sessions with your gp. Exercise every day.

    • Flowerbomb on 19/12/2020 - 14:07

      These are good points. I think with covid related stress you get an extra 10 counselling sessions, so 20 in total.

      Be totally anonymous on social media or forums. Don’t let people take photos of you and post it online.

  • Baghern on 19/12/2020 - 11:00
    +3

    If you make the same type of social media comment later on at a new company, you could probably face the same issue.

    Most companies have a social media policy.

    Just because its outside work, you can still be connected to the company.

    Social media policies are generally don't be a (profanity)…

  • DarkOz on 19/12/2020 - 11:04
    +3

    I don’t want to go back and face them. Is this a scenario where quitting is ok?

    Quitting work is absolutely ok but don't quit life.

    You can quit work, take a break to reset yourself and try again. If you don't have money issues you should just do it. Otherwise line up another job before you quit your current job.

    You sounded like someone who needs professional counselling or at least from your best friends and family.

  • shroomish on 19/12/2020 - 11:58
    +2

    death by facebook, its a menace to society and your own well being. everybody - please, log off permanently, kill your account. life is better without it and you lose nothing, gain a whole lot.

  • airtime on 19/12/2020 - 14:51
    +4

    I'm so sorry you lost your mum, sincere condolences. To have that compounded with your long term partner has resulted in a really challenging year and then throw COVID into the mix too. It's completely understandable and normal that you will be feeling stressed and anxious. The grieving and healing process takes time, don't rush it.

    How long have you worked with your current employer and what was your 'standing' before the social media incident?

    Do you have leave that you can call on? Leave entitlements may help you out here.

    How reasonable is it to link your social media account back to your employer? Do you have a public profile for your employer, eg. named on their website, member of the sales team, etc. ? Have you mentioned your employment before on your social media account? If no to those then you are likely to have a good argument the unrelated comment(s) you made would not be connected to your employer by the average reasonable person. Having a good legal argument however has little to do with preventing your employer to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings.

    If you had a good standing with the employer prior to your mother's death and partner leaving, I would leverage that. Argue that what has occurred has put you under intense emotional turmoil and significantly affected your life. Ask for consideration of these special circumstances and take any leave you have available to rest and get help and recover.

    If you no longer want to work for them, use this time to get out into the employment market. Do what you need to keep your current job active and pay coming in and look for new opportunities. Don't quit prior to securing a new job. You don't want additional financial stress on top of everything else that is occurring. It certainly sounds that you are 'over' working for them - so use your current situation and time constructively - find a new job while maintaining income from the current one.

    Also - I know this is often difficult - but don't burn any bridges when you leave. Any personal satisfaction you might feel will be very short lived, whereas leaving on reasonable terms could aid you in the future.

    Reach out to your GP to help with the stress and anxiety if you haven't already done so. Apart from the medical aid and general support they can provide, a paper trail can help too. Reach out to any other support you have available. See if your current employer has an employee assistance program (this can also generate a useful paper trail). I recommend Lifeline to everyone who are struggling and just need someone to talk to. Just having a sympathetic voice and ear can be very comforting. No shame in asking for help - personally Lifeline has helped me so much through the years.

    Best wishes. Keep your chin up.

    • John678 on 19/12/2020 - 19:44
      -2

      Thanks. Appreciate the effort and words.

      1. No linked to work. Only link was my name and then using my name to search LinkedIn and connect with my employer.

      2. I asked to be made redundant via a letter from my lawyer. I asked to leave the company with 3 months pay. They rejected it. I think they thought I would just quit. Which I guess I’m close to.

      • airtime on 20/12/2020 - 10:15
        +1

        Your employer's internal disciplinary process caused by the social media post sounds unreasonable. If there is no direct linkage or reference to your employer, you should be free to express your views without fear your employer would get involved. In saying that, calling someone a 'dog' is never going to end positively for you. Strongly recommend you keep all your public comments free of derogatory or escalating remarks like that if you are posting under your real name or it is easy to link the comments to you. Consider posting why you consider their actions inappropriate instead of going in for a name calling personal attack.

        Unless there is possible damage to the company, it is unlikely a request for redundancy (where there was no previous offer) is going to be successful. Redundancies cost companies money and companies don't spend money unless they feel they are getting something out of it. I assume your lawyer has advised whether you would have any likely success taking them to task for the unreasonable internal disciplinary action?

        Based on what you have posted, it sounds like the best course of action is to keep your head down, do the required work to maintain your current position, and search for new employment opportunities elsewhere. Strongly advise against quiting prior to securing further employment unless you are in a very strong and comfortable financial position that would allow you to be without work for an extended period of time.

        Best wishes and good luck. Try to learn from this and get value from the experience other than just pain and stress.

        • grasstown on 21/12/2020 - 00:05
          -3

          Note it’s not a name calling personal attack

          dog means to tell on someone, or to expose someone. It’s an accepted colloquial way to express disapproval for the act.

  • Japius on 19/12/2020 - 15:41
    +1

    Does your super have insurance to cover you at ~80% if your doctor will state you cannot work due to depression/anxiety etc. it’s not a long term solution but you should be able to buy a few months that will allow you to seek treatment for the anxiety or find a new job. Having said that I’ve been in your situation (not social media but a kangaroo court type scenario) but I decided to go back and face it after some time off and all I can say is in my situation it is possible to turn things around and the fear of being around the people that put you through it can be bigger than the reality of doing it…….But maybe your workplace is different

  • acersaurus on 19/12/2020 - 16:54

    If it was me I'd probably try to find another job before quitting - have a low standard to increase the chance it happens quickly.

    Try to get on side with a manager for referee purposes.

  • sep1 on 19/12/2020 - 17:23
    -1

    If you have a redundancy clause in your contract, then you should try and get fired instead of resigning. Otherwise it's not really a bargain…

    • netjock on 19/12/2020 - 17:36
      +2

      Fired is not redundancy. Fired you don't get a pay out other than annual leave entitlements.

  • netjock on 19/12/2020 - 17:35

    work gave me a written warning because of something I posted on my social media account they thought was disrespectful

    Life lesson. Don't post anything that work related on social media. Posting stuff on LinkedIn is also dangerous. It isn't you who are dangerous, it is other people's interpretation of everything. It seems like everyone is just projecting stuff onto your comment, they can choose to see and interpret what they wish.

    If you really can't fix the relationship at work it might be best to quit or if there is a redundancy round coming volunteer. Volunteering for a redundancy you get money and you can tell prospective employers that you took it for good reason.

    Might also help to get counselling for life's other problems. Not exactly financially beneficial but good for your own sanity. Chin up.

    • burningrage on 19/12/2020 - 18:14

      OP said someone traced his name through linkedin and then reported his employer of the social media post.

      I learned something now about linkedin. Time to beef up those privacies.

    • John678 on 19/12/2020 - 19:40

      I did that through the lawyer. I asked to leave the company with 3 months pay. They rejected it.

    • John678 on 19/12/2020 - 19:41

      Thanks. Yeah I realise I got emotional when I posted the dog comment and regret it. But there was nothing work related on my profile, I didn’t even have any work friends on the account. The issue was someone has seen my public comment and tracked my employer through LinkedIn search which is what my work told me.

      • xuqi on 19/12/2020 - 20:18
        +1

        "It was the way they went about it. They could have asked me to remove it via a normal chat. Instead I got a call from upper management saying you’re coming to a meeting with HR about your personal life."

        How long have you been on the HR / management radar? Normally companies don't monitor their employee social media, unless they've had past issues.

        • netjock on 20/12/2020 - 11:25

          Someone might be Facebook stalking OP and waiting for the opportunity. You never know how petty people are these days. If you observed as soon as lockdowns for COVID happened in northern hemisphere hacking went through the roof. Imagine how many amateur scammers and hackers were doing their thing.

          Social media is a gold mine for people who have an axe to grind.

          • sraymond on 20/12/2020 - 12:15
            +2

            @netjock: My bet is it was the guy who got called a coward dog.

      • Zachary on 19/12/2020 - 23:00

        well….its a good thing i dont have a linkedin account…

      • burningrage on 20/12/2020 - 12:05

        I am actually surprised why didn't you just deny it. The company didn't have proof it was you one way or the other.

        I mean there's a lot of John Does in this world.

  • JetBombat on 19/12/2020 - 22:12

    “If you realised how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.”

    I understand the times are hard, but that's the past, the present and the future is what you make of it. Want to be positive and enjoy the world? You can. Nothing can stop you from making that choice. They can try, but it is up to you to take those emotions in or leave it outside and be positive. I say, go back to work and be positive. Find what you like at work a focus on that, whether it is helping others or just doing your stuff responsibly. Let it grow and slowly take over. Yes, stuff happened, so what? You learned from it and decided to be a better you from now on. I think you can if you'd like to.

  • syousef on 19/12/2020 - 23:21

    It amazes me that people

    1. Are posting here to say "don't post on social media".
    2. Support employers dictating what a person can say in their spare time on unrelated topics, just because it is written down in a post.

    Dunning-Kruger is at play when it comes to social media. Social media is the new pub conversation. Imagine if we held people to the same standards for what was said down at the pub a generation or two ago. The level of oppression here reminds me of facist countries and dictators. People aren't built to bottle things up.

    I suspect most people who have posted a response to this post have said something at some time that their employer could have used to terminate them. I do hope that we'll work it out and have reasonable laws and attitudes some day. Probably not in my lifetime.

    • Aneurism on 20/12/2020 - 00:39
      +1

      People need to understand their employment agreements before signing it. Most these days have binding agreements linked to company policy which these days are associated with social media, repute and possibly responsibility related to the law.

      This is more about interpretation of contract terms more than dictatorship.

      Regardless of whether posting anonymously or publicly on any forum, one should always realize that it is a snapshot in time that is hard to get rid of. People should always be filtering everything they say with great care online.

      • syousef on 20/12/2020 - 09:31
        +2

        You need to understand that most people don't have much say in the conditions on their employment agreement or their interpretation. It's not a truly two-sided conversation. They either take the job or take another with similar conditions or end up a burden on society.

        You understand the implication of "filtering everything they say with great care online" in an age where most communication is online is rampant mental illness don't you? It's a great time to feel like you're owned. It's hard not to conclude many of the mental health initiatives we see by employers are nothing but lip service, and butt covering.

        The question isn't "Is this how it is now?". It is. The question is "Should it be this way, and what are the long term implications for society?" Allowing employers to control what people are allowed to say has implications at many, many levels and not just for the employees.

  • TheWetHusky on 20/12/2020 - 05:05

    Work cover is a tricky one, I believe we have to disclose that to future employers too but not too sure.

    About your work situation, I quit a job this year for what was probably a much less stressful scenario than yours op. If you're not going to lose your house or you have family to rely on, this is a no brainer.

    I thought I would regret quitting because I was making insane money, 5 months later I honestly haven't looked back once; and enjoy my life again. When a corporate job gets toxic, it will just get worse, any empathy your co-workers may feel for your situation will just get evaporated by their darwinian need to brown-nose to their next promotion.

    Always weigh these decisions up carefully but please don't underestimate how stressful working for 8 hours a day in a place you don't want to be is.

  • berry580 on 20/12/2020 - 07:05

    OP, if you take stress leave. You might as well just get a new job.

    No idea what kangaroo court you're talking about, are you still in Australia?

    • matt-ozb on 20/12/2020 - 16:36

      usually refers to magistrates court …. i guess the magi's court must hear employment cases?

  • crazyhor77 on 20/12/2020 - 09:00
    +1

    Not sure it's still the case (I imagine it's worse now), I quit a job once and when I went on Centrelink benefits they told me because I quit my job on purpose they decided to penalise my benefit. I had to live on $160/fortnight for 6 months. Just keep this is in mind. In other words, find a new job before quitting.

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