Here is a list of the top 10 things that would get you seriously reprimanded or fired from work:

1. Repeated incompetence. If there's something you don't know, and need to know, you should take steps to learn it immediately.

2. Sexual harassment. A big no-no, but some firms will look the other way more than others.

3. Stealing. Company secrets and expensive equipment are obviously worth much more than a few pens/pencils. Your punishment will fit the crime.

4. Failed promises. Repeated inability to deliver your services/products as promised will cause people to lose their trust in you, and eventually they will fail to rely on you for anything of value.

5. Malicious activity. Pornography on the Internet, taking apart expensive computer equipment for personal reasons (seen it happen), sabotaging others. All obvious no-no's.

6. Gossiping. It's easy to talk about someone else's mistakes. It's harder to talk to someone about their mistakes. Do it anyway most appreciate it in the end.

7. Lying. Embellishing your time records, lying about your skills or project status, or simply being dishonest in personal exchanges will make many people angry.

8. Lateness/absenteeism/leaving early. No matter how many hours you put in a week, many employers will see any of the above as showing a lack of interest and/or motivation in your work.

9. Arrogance. Being a know-it-all does not help the company, since your knowledge is kept in your own little cubicle.

10. Mixing your work and personal life. Most companies will appreciate or even require keeping personal calls and emails to a minimum. Although your life might require that you leave work at times (i.e. furniture delivery), try to keep this to a minimum.

Happy working!

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