by Marsha Sigman

Created on: June 27, 2008

I have had several embarrassing moments at work over the years but the most recent still stands out in my mind. I blame this moment entirely on Instant Messaging. It's a free software download from the internet and all you have to do is input your contact email addresses, then a magical little chat window appears that lets you instantly communicate back and forth. The convenience of this feature in the workplace is wonderful. Instead of having to leave your office to contact a co-worker about an issue, you can IM them and resolve it immediately without leaving your workspace.

At my job, we use IM for everything. Of course we also use it if we have something funny to say or just want to chat about what we did the previous weekend. I had been there about 90 days, just past the probationary period and just long enough to make some really great friends. The owner of our company is an attractive divorcee, so of course we are all very interested in his personal life.

One day he received a phone call and it was paged out over the intercom system. The receptionist also announced who was holding on the line for him by name. I was thrilled because I had the good gossip on this one.

Very eager to impart my nugget of knowledge, I quickly clicked on the IM window to let my friend in the next office over in on my news.
"That's the ex-wife! OMG, I heard she really stuck it to him. Men can be so stupid over a pair of big, fake knockers! Hahhah"

As soon as I hit Enter, I realized what I had done. In my eagerness, I had clicked on his email instead of my friend's. He instantly received my message and I am sure at the same time heard my horrified shriek all the way into his office.

I quickly typed an apology and ran to the bathroom. I am not ashamed to say I hid for a half hour at least until I composed myself. When I returned to my office I found his message telling me not to worry, these things do happen and he was sure I would pay closer attention next time to whom I was speaking with on IM. I was so relieved but it was still weeks before I could look him in the eye when I had to speak with him.

I have been at my job for two years now and I realize what a great sense of humor my boss has. I am so grateful for that. However, the girl in Marketing will never be my friend since last week I sent her an IM listing all the reasons I thought she was a fruitcake. She has no sense of humor.

I no longer use Instant Messenger.

Learn more about this author, Marsha Sigman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.