KellyForKeepingMyJob.com

02Oct09

When does your personal online content become a work-related matter? This Chicago Sun-Times article got me thinking. The premise: when Kevin Lynch, a Chicago BBDO employee, created ChicagoansForRio.com, he insisted that it was his own project and not affiliated with BBDO. The website aims to build support for a Rio de Janeiro Olympics, despite the fact that BBDO supports Chicago’s Olympic bid. Not surprisingly, BBDO execs appear less than thrilled about Lynch’s site.

This got me thinking about my own online content and how it relates to my professional work. While I try to separate the two best I can, I’m fully aware that for the most part, it’s just not possible. I’m mindful of the fact that even if I’m not producing or posting content during work hours, I still represent my organization.

That means there are certain things I do not write or post that I wish I could. My rebellious, stubborn half would like to think that I should be able to write and post whatever I want, particularly if they have anything directly to do with my job. But my practical, cautious half has seen too many instances where some is fired for posting a tweet or a status update on Facebook. I consider myself lucky enough to even have a job at this point in time and I’m not willing to risk jeopardizing it.

Lynch is described as “a witty and smart renegade…willing to push the envelope when his more conservative peers might opt for a less edgy approach.” I have no doubt that should BBDO decide he screwed up enough to fire him, Lynch will bounce back no problem. (He may even have an easier time finding new employment because of his website.) I can’t say that it would be the same for me at this point in my career.