Work and Social Networking

*sigh*

Let me start off by saying that I do love my job. I really do. And, I work for and with really great people. We all might be slightly insane, but overall, it's a good group.

Now onto the reason I sigh........

About two years ago, I started a F*ceB**k page. It was strictly personal.

Then, as work friends started going on there, I'd add them. Not a big deal.

Then, a year ago, I became the Promotions Director of the group and I gained more and more friends..... again, some of them from work.

About 7-8 months ago, we started DJ Pages and Station Pages. The individual DJs run their pages, but I run the station pages..... all from my personal account.

Well, over the past 6 months, I've been getting a LOT of requests from listeners and clients. They'd see that I was friends with a DJ, know who I was, and then friend me. And, I'd ignore their requests. Because, despite the overlap, it was still *my* page. I chose what I said or posted, etc, etc. My family is on my page, personal friends are on my page, and there was too much personal information on there for me to want listeners or clients to see.

Fast-forward to last week. In a meeting, I was given instructions on things to do with the station pages. I completely disagree with the thinking and the plan, but that's neither here nor there. Today, our owner gave a big speech about everyone being on F*ceb**k and how things get back to him, etc, etc, etc.

Then, my direct supervisor (under his WORK name) friended me.

 I have several coworkers (even one of my bosses) on my page. However, it's always been an understanding that what I post is MY business and doesn't affect my job.

Keep in mind that I like my direct supervisor just fine. It's just that we aren't friends outside of work and I doubt he cares about my life outside of work. So, to me, his request (directly on the heels of that lecture) was strictly a work deal. He is "friends" with all the DJs (on their DJ pages only), plus a bunch of people that are work related.

Basically, it was the straw that broke the camel's back, for me.

I ended up creating a separate work-only page/persona. I friended a bunch of the listeners/clients that I previously ignored. I deleted the DJ pages off of my account and friended them under my work page. I made it so that the station pages are only connected to this new work page.

I probably should have done it a long time ago.

Now, I've got people asking me what's up and I'm trying to diplomatically explain why.

It's really stressing me out.

I have nothing to hide from them. Shoot, my Sunday School teachers are on my page. But, I'm feeling like I'm being watched. I'm also feeling like EVERYTHING in my personal life is becoming wrapped up in work. It's part of the job, honestly...... it's a very social environment.... it's a place where we spend WAY too much time together... it's an industry where you can find yourself working around the clock. So, I'm trying to figure out a way to separate, a little bit.

Again.... I probably should have done it a long time ago.... and, it's really stressing me out.

And, because no one from work knows I have this blog (well, that I know of), this is the ONLY place I can really "get it out."

Thanks for "listening."