We always hear about people who suffer the consequences of their own actions on social media. For some, this means your reputation could be tarnished or your personal safety could go out the window. For others, job loss is a very real fear when you speak out against something you don’t agree with. One woman in Maine, for example, shared on TikTok the kind of harassment and hostile work environment after the owner learned of her social media post.
TikToker Kayla (TikTok/Kayla_a16) shared some realizations she had after she lost her restaurant job over her TikTok video. She was having a stressful day at work and, like many people do, posted her frustration online. Unfortunately, the owner of the restaurant caught wind of it and Kayla claims her boss spoke with her co-workers about firing her. When Kayla heard about it, she acted first by leaving the job.
That may sound drastic, but as Kayla describes her past position, no pay is worth it. About Kayla’s boss, she said he called her “horrible names” and spoke about not feeling appreciated, despite “busting her butt” for the restaurant. She’s been paying for everything in her life, so venting on social media seems like a silly reason for firing.
“They don’t deserve you. They’re not allowed to degrade you, and same mean names, and say you’re not allowed to post on social media,” says Kayla.
She then offers advice you hear often, but it doesn’t seem to sink in until you experience it yourself: “If you’re going through the same thing, leave,” Kayla says. There’s a level of respect an employer should show you, especially when it comes to things like social media. This just sounds like they’re getting too involved in her personal life.
Commenters were either for or against Kayla regarding her job loss. While some supported her and told her she would have no problem finding a new job, others were quite harsh.
One person argued, “When you choose to speak about your job and/or a situation at your job on social media you risk losing your job.” And that much is true. However, it’s also important to ask how far does this need to go? If an employee is being racist, even on social media, your job should be aware of that. If you’re venting about your boss being a knucklehead, getting fired—or potentially fired—seems pretty harsh.
Another stated, “Freedom of speech protects you against retaliation from the government not private employment.” The good news for Kayla is that she seems to have the drive to try again. Either way, she doesn’t need to work somewhere that breeds negativity!
