Home > Personal Issues > Facebook Friends with Boss: Will it Affect Your Job?

Facebook Friends with Boss: Will it Affect Your Job?

By: Emma Jones - Updated: 30 Mar 2012 | comments*Discuss
 
Facebook My Facebook Boss Social Network

So your boss has sent you a request to become your Facebook friend? How on earth do you deal with that! Facebook is part of a new phenomenon of Social Networking Sites that is taking the world by storm. It is a great way to keep in touch with your friends and share photos, stories and personal details. However, while you may want your close mates to see your drunken snaps, you probably wouldn’t show them to your boss. Crossing the line between your professional persona and your social life can be an awkward step.

What Is Facebook?

Facebook is a site that allows you to create a profile showing details about you and your life. You can upload pictures, videos and updates about your status, interests and opinions. You can choose who can see these details by accepting them as your friend, and then you can share details of your everyday lives. People are wising up to certain security functions that mean strangers can’t see your details. However, once you are friends with someone, they can access your profile at anytime without you knowing.

Downsides Of Accepting

The person that you are at work is probably not exactly the same as the person that your friends know. You will project a professional front in the office and let your hair down in your social life. Although you may share some details about your personal life with work colleagues and probably socialise with them occasionally, it is unlikely that you tell them all your juicy secrets. Becoming friends with your boss is stepping over a line that is then difficult to erase.

How To Say No

Deciding to reject a Facebook friend request from your boss is not an easy thing to do. You don’t want to offend them or get on the bad side of them. The best way to deal with the situation is to be upfront and honest about. Communicate in person rather than via the internet and explain your reasons. Tell them something like, "my Facebook is a place where I can switch off and relax and I don’t feel comfortable mixing my work and social life." Hopefully they will be understanding about your preferences.

Managing Your Social And Work Lives

The Facebook friend dilemma is a modern incarnation of an age old problem – should you mix your work and social lives? When you spend so long with your colleagues you are going to become friendly and probably have a few drinks after work. However, sharing too much of your social life with them can make you appear less professional and you need to consider how it could affect your reputation and progression at work.

Deciding whether to become Facebook friends with your boss is a common and tricky dilemma. While it is good to be friendly with them, sharing your personal life with them can be a step too far. Approach the situation openly and honestly and communicate your concerns with them in person rather than via the internet.

How Open Should you be?

Revealing too much about your social life in the workplace is not always a good idea. Find out more in our article What is Too Much Information in the Workplace?

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
Why not be the first to leave a comment for discussion, ask for advice or share your story...

If you'd like to ask a question one of our experts (workload permitting) or a helpful reader hopefully can help you... We also love comments and interesting stories

Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Latest Comments
  • Rich
    Re: Working with Animals
    Good Morning. I am 55 years old and have been working in social care for the last 12 years. I have always loved animals and have a high…
    25 February 2024
  • Alpha
    Re: Becoming a Mechanic
    I love this content, it was helpful, check this out also.
    31 January 2024
  • Angelina
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    Hi I'm 31 years old and have a disability I'm looking for work experience either in a nursery or as a receptionist at a…
    8 October 2023
  • Nimmi
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    Hi i am looking for work experience in account assistant position. Thank you
    26 September 2023
  • Nimmi
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    Hi I am looking for work experience in account assistant as I am having Acca and BA degree qualifications. I am available…
    26 September 2023
  • Shaz
    Re: How to Become an Insurance Broker
    Hi We would like to start private hire insurance business. I need more information about this. Can you please contact me…
    19 September 2023
  • Bron
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    would like some help or advice on how to gain more experience that will help me get back into work
    16 June 2023
  • Rob
    Re: Becoming a Mechanic
    Hi. I'm 57 and have been working at a dealership for just 4 months. I love cars and would be an honour to be able to service or repair them!…
    28 April 2023
  • clarkey
    Re: Becoming a Mechanic
    I have just started back at college on my final year. I am on level 3 Motor vehicle and I am a 57 year old woman. You are never too old. Go…
    22 September 2022
  • Philipsmac
    Re: Becoming a Carer
    I live in Lagos Nigeria. I would like to register for social care training program. After graduation, does the certificate qualify me to migrate…
    13 September 2022