Jobs are hard to find right now and due to this, we should avoid any problems at work.  It’s important not to give supervisors an excuse to let us go.

Even if the job is not the best one there is, you have to do everything to keep it.  There are millions of people out there looking for employment and will be willing to work for less than what you earn.

This is why we should avoid any type of bad behavior that could cost us our job.   As employees, we should always follow the rules but now, even more so.

Lot employees have this strange notion that they are indispensable. First rule, all employees should remember is that no one is indispensable.  No matter how good of employee you are, there is someone that can probably do a better job or convince a supervisor that they can.  However, if you are the type of employee that works hard, team player and avoids trouble, your supervisor will be happy and will keep you around.

Now there are employees that from the moment they walk in through the door, they do everything except their work.  There may have been a time where a supervisor would have just ignored it but things have changed.  Their tolerance level is even lower than before because they can find someone quickly to replace an employee that is more trouble than they are worth.  Here is a list of bad behavior that should be avoided at all cost.

• Gossiping is one way anyone could lose their job.  Getting involved in rumors or starting rumors about supervisors or co-workers cause problems in the office.  It creates animosity amongst co-workers.  To bring peace back into the office, supervisors along with HR have to become mediators for the employees.   Once all is calm, they will let whoever started the rumors or problems go.
• Drinking is not allowed in any type of employment.  Some employees will go out to lunch and think it is okay to have drink no one is around to see it.  Here’s the problem with this, your breath will smell like alcohol and someone will see you do this.  Companies have a zero-tolerance policy for drinking while at work.  For those that think because it’s their lunch hour the company can’t do anything to you, you better think twice.  They will fire an employee on the spot. 
• Many companies offer sick time as part of their benefit packages.  This comes in handy because you can call out when you’re sick and not lose your pay for that day.  If you have them then use them when necessary and wisely.  The problem is those people that call in sick all the time, use up their sick time and continue calling in.  The company expects you in the office to do your job, if they can’t depend on you, they will find someone to replace you.
• Office romances are not a good idea, no matter who you are.  Many companies have a policy where they will not allow relatives or spouses to work in the same office or area.  The reason behind this is to avoid conflict, such as arguments or rumors that the other person was hired due to their family bond or relationship.  When family members, couples or spouses work together, it can be very stressful and there will always be tension.
• Harassment of any type will not be tolerated by any company.  This behavior will only bring problems to a company, including lawsuits.  The moment a complaint is made, the person who caused the problem will be suspended.  An investigation will be done and once it is completed and they find the employee is at fault, they will be fired on the spot.

For those that are not aware, the unemployment situation is getting worst not better.  They don’t see this changing for another year or so.  Since this is the case, for those of us that are employed, we should consider our job (good or bad) as though it is gold.  When at work, do what you were hired to do, your job.  Be on time, be a team player, avoid gossip, problems, or fighting.  Dedicate your time to your tasks and when you are ready to leave for the day, be comfortable in knowing you did your job as expected.