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I love to write. It is my passion. Unfortunately, I've had a habit for over 48 years that I can't seem to shake. I like to eat. I like having a roof over my head. I view the ability to pay bills on time as a valuable asset. Therefore, I have a "regular" job. I have next to nothing in common with the vast majority of my coworkers. Quite frankly, the place where I'm employed has the uncanny ability to lure in the dregs of society. Trust me on this one: We're talking about prime candidates for guest spots on the Jerry Springer Show. Many have spent time in jail. Every third word I hear in casual conversation is the bad one with four letters or one of its derivatives. You know which one.

How I ended up at this place is irrelevant. What is relevant; however, is as follows: As long as everybody works together effectively to achieve the goals as defined by the company; whatever that may be, an employee's personal life is private. What a person does outside of work-time is his or her business. If this includes having accounts with My Space, Facebook, You Tube, or any other social networking site on the Web, then so be it. Most registered members of such places are young people in their teens and twenties who seek friendship and in some cases, more intimate encounters, with like-minded individuals. I suppose these sites would come in quite handy for those who live in settings so remote that an hour's drive would be required to get groceries. Others who use social networking are trying to promote their wares, whether it be music, literature, or artwork. In either case, those who choose to sign up are under no obligation whatsoever to disclose this information to their employers.

We are of course outraged when we hear of sexual predators, terrorist plots, or any other activity of criminal intent becoming uncovered on such sites. Without question, there are some people out there in serious need of help. Nevertheless, employers already screen applicants adequately. They will contact previous employers to verify past work dates. Many now require drug testing. Applicants must truthfully provide information regarding past convictions of felonies as well as physical or mental limitations that could adversely affect their work performance. If an applicant provides false or incomplete information, odds are that the employer will eventually learn of it. If or when such misrepresentation is discovered, the employer has every right to fire the employee.

There is no law that says you have to approve of another employee's lifestyle. We don't go to work to make friends. We go to perform our job. Snooping around in the realm of workers' personal lives by viewing profiles on networking sites or for that matter, by any other means, is quite simply an invasion of privacy.

Learn more about this author, Patrick Sills.
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