For Women Only Your Computer Usage Could Cost You Your Job

Few would argue that, despite the advancement of feminism over the past three decades, women still face a double standard when it comes to their behavior. Although cross-border men's behavior is often ridiculed as "boys will be boys," women face high moral standards - especially in the workplace. That is why it is so important that, as women, our work ethic is beyond reproach.

Small Cities and Large Countries

To find evidence of double standard, we do not need to look far beyond Arlington, Oregon, where Mayor Carmen Kontur-Gronquist was remembered by 142-139 votes after residents of the city discovered that the mayor's MySpace page featured pictures of her in underwear. Although Kontur-Gronquist suspects electoral fraud and is demanding a refund, and although the mayoral post may not be paid, no one disputes that his MySpace page has included him.

Compare his situation with that of David Paterson, the new governor of New York. After Emperor Eliot Spitzer resigned due to alleged involvement in prostitution, Paterson was sworn in and confessed to engaging in extramarital affairs and having used cocaine and marijuana during his 20's. It seems strange that the mayor of a small town in Oregon is held at a higher level than the governor of New York.

With computers, Privacy can go public

The moral (meaning) of the story is that, as women, our behavior should be clean - both on and off the job. Yes, we can have private lives, but inadvertently make those private lives public when we open a computer, use email, or connect to the Internet.

To protect yourself at work, the first rule of thumb is not to do personal business using your employer's equipment. You do not have the right to privacy, and your employer may have full access to your computer record, your online history, and your email. Resist the temptation to shop online, check the news, or go online while at work. Do not send that joke or encouraging email to coworkers. And do not email your friends or family members.

The second thing to remember is that the online niche you create for yourself using your home computer is also visible to your employer. Increasingly, potential employers are using tools to check the presence of job seekers online. That thrilling YouTube video of you dancing with a lantern on your head in your best friend's bathroom may prevent you from getting the job you dream of. Before you speak boldly on your blog or upload a dubious picture to a social network, think about the impact it could have on your work. 

There is no arguing that computers enrich our lives and give us options that our mothers never dreamed of. As women, however, computers could be our downfall. It may be acceptable for men to check out the Sports Illustrated website while at work (even the swimsuit edition!), But women are caught up in a high standard ... Just ask Carmen Kontur-Gronquist.👪👪👪👪