Threatened with being reported to my work

[Gemm83]

Last night after a couple of drinks I was on FB and noticed someone on a selling page selling small hand sanitisers. One for £5 and five for £20. This past week I have been a mess. Anxiety through the roof and I just lost it. I called the seller all manner of names (even the bad one). Whilst almost everyone agreed with me (but not with the language) there were a couple who called me a bully and a troll. I apologised for my language but repeated that I would not apologise for calling someone out on trying to make a profit out of people's anxiety and panic.

My own fault but my profile is public as is what I do for a living. I am admin in local government authority. Two people went on and mentioned who I work for and that all my comments had been screenshotted and will be sent off to my employer to demonstrate how unprofessional I am and that I'm bringing my employer into disrepute. I text my boss straight away and told her. But I'm now having panic attacks. I can't lose my job. I was just so angry and had a momentary lapse of control. I am so upset. Crying uncontrollably. What can I do/should I do? I'm currently on mat leave and due to return in April. 😭

The problem is, that’s how capitalism works. Supply and demand. The majority of things that we buy aren’t ‘worth’ that much in a true sense, in that they cost that much to make, but if enough people want them then people can sell them for it. To be honest if someone offered me £1m for my hand sanitizer I’d give it to them. Doesn’t that make me just as bad as the people selling it?

It doesn't matter if it's just one comment and out of character, if it's publicly visible and your information is publicly visible then your employer can choose to take disciplinary action. Just as if you were in a work uniform and behaved poorly whether you were in or out of work hours.

Many organisations are vigilant about it, that's why I ensure any of my profiles are locked down and my employer is never linked, even an innocent comment can be twisted and if an employer is linked in anyway it can backfire (and I have seen people given warnings and dismissed for SM comments as well as a quick slap on the wrist 'don't do it again').

There isn't much you can do other than show your manager your remorse, up your security and remove references to your workplace. It may well be that you are informally told to be mindful of what you post and move on, depending on what you actually do for a living and the current situation.

Thankyou all for your input today. It's confirmed just how stupid I have been and I will take my punishment as and when it comes. Much appreciated.

In present circumstances, for a single incident like that, unless your employers are complete dicks, I should hope they would show some understanding and use any discretion they may have available to forgive it and give you a warning or something.