7.20.2012

This blog is non-negotiable

When I first saw the letter yesterday about the company's [non-negotiable] "prohibition" against any outside journalistic endeavors, including blogs, websites, user groups and forums, I was (1) shocked at the scope of it and (2) really pissed off that it wasn't mentioned during ANY of my interviews. (Because I can guarantee that had it been mentioned, I would have stopped the process right there).

Why?

Why would I give up what seemed to be a good job (on paper at least) because of my blog and some policy?

I'll tell you why.

Because this blog is ME.
It's who I am.
It's what I do.
And I don't need permission to do this. 

This blog is about my life and all the crazy that comes along with it. This blog is seven years worth of hard work and tears and frustration and celebration. It's years of wondering if anyone was actually reading what I wrote and jumping for joy when more than one comment appears on a post. It's years of frustration when writer's block steals my posts and celebration when I actually complete an entire month of posting.

I have worked too hard to build up this blog from something only my parents read to what it is today - a little blog that is slowly growing up and finding a place in the big, bad blogosphere. I might not be the biggest blog on the block, but I've had some really great opportunities come my way because of what I write here. I have worked (and am still working) with some amazing companies because of this blog.

And while it may seem silly to some of you, I am not going to ask permission to continue doing what I have every right to do - be a blogger.

I have always known that I love to blog...it's what makes me happy. But over the last 24 hours I realized just how much I love it. And how much this little 'ol blog means to me. And I'll be damned if anyone is going to tell me what I can or cannot do here. 

That is non-negotiable.

6 comments:

  1. You go, girl!!!! Amen to that!

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  2. Wow! I have heard about social media restrictions with jobs, but they are always mentioned up front. I get being asked not to blog about work on a personal website, but this is beyond reasonable. I can't even imagine how they can rationalize that at all. Hugs to you and so sorry this happened to you.

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    1. Beyond reasonable...that is a great way to describe it! I totally get a "no blogging while at work" rule (for an office job), or a "don't mention your job on your blog" rule. But this? No way. Oh, and they also forbid their employees from working on any type of political campaign - whether you're a volunteer or paid staff. One more thing they didn't mention in the interview. And as a social media manager for a congressional campaign, that doesn't fly with me either.

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  3. People may think it's not the best decision for you to give up a job because of a blog, but think of what you are saving yourself from in the process. Even if your current boss that hires you is kind, that policy speaks to the type of larger environment where you'll be working - one where they don't sound like they put a lot of faith or trust in the people they hire. And while it is reasonable for an employer to restrict what you do in a professional realm - like not being paid to blog for someone else as a conflict of interest with the writing you are doing for them, etc., it's not reasonable to restrict your personal life. Something great is out there for you somewhere. Take this experience as a sign that your talent is appreciated, now you just need to find the person worthy of it.

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    1. Exactly. It totally speaks to the environment at that company. And the fact that it's "non negotiable" ... seriously? They also forbid any involvement with political campaigns...whether paid or volunteer. Wow.

      I know there's the "right job" out there somewhere...and this one was NOT it. :)

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