by Danielle Zarcaro

Created on: June 18, 2009   Last Updated: June 20, 2009

Is it ethical? No. Does it happen? All the time. Employees check their mail, their FACEBOOK, and all other things besides doing work on their computer. It's true you don't want to work there anymore, but looking for a new job at your current one is disrespectful. If you've already been using your current boss's computer to look for a new boss, chances are you think that it's ethical, and I'm not going to be the one to change your mind - you're going to do it anyway. But that won't stop me from trying.

Just because people do it doesn't mean it's right. There are many people who are reading this at work and who plan on checking their Monster.com account after this. Perhaps the reason you're looking for a new job is because you're not trying hard enough at your current one. If you took the time that you are spending looking for a new job actually applying yourself at your current job, you might not want to leave. If you feel like you're working thanklessly and tirelessly and aren't getting anywhere, perhaps you should be trying to figure out how you can move up in the company or switch departments or learn something new at your current job. Expand your horizons.

If the boss you're looking for knew you were using a company computer to look for him, he would be naive to hire you. Something like this is a type of "gateway drug." You start small - I'll just use the computer to look for jobs. Then it gets bigger - I'll just print out a hundred resumes with company paper and ink. And it continues to get bigger - I'll just use the company phone to call the potential employer. Then you're spending all of your time at work looking for a new job. What does that say about your work ethic?

If you want to keep your current job while looking for a second job, that is something you have to do on your own time. It's fine if you hate your job and are desperate to find another one, but, if you were at a retail job, you would have to spend your own time looking for a new job. No boss is going to willingly pay you to find a new job to better yourself and leave them hanging. I'm not saying every job is going to have the option of moving up in the company - or even moving laterally - but you can't take company time to look for a new job. Be like everyone else in the world and do it on your own time.

Put yourself in your boss's shoes. Would you let your employees look for a new job on your computers and on your time? Don't lie to yourself. Be realistic. And if you would let your employees do that, then you wouldn't be a very good boss and you probably won't have a company for very long. And if you think you're going to be the best boss ever and no one would ever do that, you're kidding yourself.

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