Office Buzz: Employed Today, Unemployed by Tomorrow’s Tweet
Yaw Boateng had finally ‘made it’. Fresh out of school and with national service behind him, he landed his first full-time job with a modest but steady salary. It wasn’t flashy, just enough to sort transport, data, lunch, and send something small to Mum on mobile money.
His title? Administrative Assistant. His dream? Full-time content creator.
And while he responded to emails by day, by night, he was experimenting with skits, memes, and trending sounds. He had just hit 2,000 followers. The algorithm was starting to love him.
Then came the tweet.
It was a Monday. Work had been hectic, and his boss had asked him to stay late again. Frustrated, Yaw got home, threw his bag down, opened Twitter, and wrote:
“Imagine working full-time and still being paid peanuts. Smh. No wonder I’m moving into content creation. I no go kill myself for anybody’s company.”
The post went semi-viral. Hundreds of likes.
Comments like: “Same here, bro.” “Say it louder!” “Drag them, champ!”
Yaw smiled.
Until the next morning.
The Clapback Came Offline.
His line manager called him in for a “quick chat.” HR had seen the tweet screenshot and all of it. It wasn’t even the salary complaint that hurt the most. It was the attitude. The mockery. The casual disrespect.
“We understand frustrations,” the HR rep said calmly. “But how you express them matters especially in public.”
By 4 p.m., Yaw had been asked to turn in his ID and laptop. He was laid off! Yes, he was fired!
The Aftermath.
Yaw took to TikTok to spin the narrative.
“They couldn’t handle the truth. I’m free now. Watch this space…”
But in private? He was struggling.
No job. No steady income. And no brand deals yet. Not even a content strategy to get started!
Moral of the Story:
In the excitement of content creation and online validation, don’t forget real-world consequences.
Entry-level jobs may not pay a fortune, but they pay you in experience, exposure, and a starting point. Learn to show gratitude. Speak up, yes, but with wisdom, not warfare.
And above all, Social media may be your playground… but it’s also your unofficial CV. Don’t post yourself out of opportunity.
Here are 7 important reasons why you should be mindful of what you say about your job or employer on social media, especially in today’s hyper-connected professional world.
1. Social Media Is Public — Even When It’s “Private”
Even if you think only your followers will see it, screenshots travel. Fast. What you post can be shared, misinterpreted, or forwarded directly to your employer.
2. You Represent the Brand, Whether You Like It or Not
As long as you’re employed, your words reflect on your company, intentionally or not. Employers expect loyalty and discretion, especially in public forums.
3. It Can Cost You Opportunities
Recruiters, HR teams, and hiring managers do check online profiles. A rant about your current or past job can raise red flags about your professionalism and discretion.
4. Negative Posts Can Breach Your Employment Contract
Many companies include clauses about confidentiality and public conduct. Speaking out in a damaging way even casually could legally justify disciplinary action or termination.
5. What You Say Online Is Permanent
Deleting a post doesn’t erase its impact. Once it’s out there, it’s searchable and shareable. One careless post can define your digital footprint for years to come.
6. You Might Burn Bridges You’ll Need Later
Today’s colleague or boss could be tomorrow’s reference — or client. A moment of online venting can damage future relationships that matter.
7. Respect Builds Reputation
Being mindful shows emotional intelligence, maturity, and professionalism — traits that employers and colleagues value. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words.
Final Thought:
You can express yourself — just don’t expose yourself. Before you post about your job or employer, ask yourself: Would I be okay if this showed up in tomorrow’s staff meeting?
This is the office buzz! Work, culture and everything in between.
Remember to share this with that team member who needs to read this.
Educator, Educational Psychologist, Talent Acquisition Specialist/Recruiting/Training/Strategic Planning
1moVery true! Social media posts live longer than we think, and sometimes even harmless posts can be misunderstood or taken out of context. It’s always wise to pause and think before posting.
NSP @ JCA, Graduate of University of Professional Studies Accra
1moThanks for sharing