Q I write a blog on my personal time where I opine on all sorts of current issues. My bosses are clearly uncomfortable with it, and have told me that they’ve considered some of my posts inappropriate. Can they fire me for this activity?
A First of all, only Bill O’Reilly “opines,” OK? For everyone else it’s just expressing a point of view. As for your blog, there are no simple answers. The issues involved are complex and nuanced, and courts that have ruled on such cases have taken different approaches.
The short answer, though, is that unless employees are protected by some agreement, generally an employer can fire them without stating any reason at all. So if they let you go they wouldn’t have to admit it was because of your blogging.
The broader issue, however, is whether legal activities pursued on employees’ own time can subject them to disciplinary action by their employer, and the answer is that in certain circumstances courts have ruled in favor of employers.
Even if the views you express are protected under freedom of speech, if those views in some way compromise your position within the company, impact your ability to do your job effectively, disrupt the work environment or damage the company’s business or reputation, then most employers would intervene, and they’d be on solid ground in doing so.
Q I am entering my sophomore year in college and have to declare a major. If I’m interested in a career in politics what course of study would you suggest?
A Ethics? While we’re on the subject, let me recommend the same course of study for aspiring lawyers. And financiers. (Hey, we kid because we love. Some of my best friends worked in finance — hope they get out early for good behavior.)
On a serious note, we need to encourage the best and brightest to go into public service to ensure that government is populated with intelligent, informed, reasonable, solution-oriented individuals who are passionate about making our country better whether on a local or national level.
What major you declare is less important than just being well-rounded in the areas of political science, history, law, economics, business and, yes, ethics. You also should develop strong public speaking skills. Just as important, though, is to get involved in your community, volunteer to work on a political campaign and, of course, run for student government. All of this will give you a better sense of the various career options you could pursue in politics, and which you may have a particular affinity for. Too bad you aren’t graduating now, though, because at the moment there appear to be a number of political vacancies in New Jersey.
Gregory Giangrande is chief human resources officer for Dow Jones.
Follow Greg on Twitter, at gotogregnypost!