Don't gossip, bad mouth another employee, don't share anything personal about yourself. You should only talk about only work related things. Just do your job and go home.

Never tell your coworkers anything. They are pure jealous evil.

Three golden rules in the workplace, 1) mind your own business 2) worry about yourself 3) keep your own personal info to yourself. If no one else needs to know, don’t say anything

Never discuss your personal finances at work. If you are having debt issues, do not bring it u at work. Your co-workers can use it against you. Always understand that you can be friendly with your co-workers, but they are not your friends. And there are co-workers who will act like a friend who are not.

My female colleague hangs out a lot with a one male colleague at work. They eat lunch together and gossip about other people. And they don't hide it. They often stick together. Recently a meeting was held without that male colleague and some people complained about his way of working. That female colleague who hangs out with him, took the opportunity to tell the director that the male colleague was not fit for the job and that she was willing to take over his part of the job. The director was delighted and praised the female colleague for her ability. After the meeting in which she spoke against that colleague, that female colleague again went to lunch with the colleague she had just beaten up to her boss acting like nothing was happened. I work in such a terrible environment.

My rule of thumb is to ask how everyone else is and get folks talking about themselves.

Also avoid ppl who gossip and tell personal info of others

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from a teacher who was known for keeping secrets hidden. Her motto: "Zip it, lock it, keep it in your pocket." Words to live by!

Law 4 of the 48 Laws of Power: Always say less than necessary.

I now get why one of my bosses NEVER discussed his personal life. Just be aware that some coworkers will be nosy enough to reserach ANYTHING about you if you are the quiet type as well. I have noticed this with nosy coworkers who think you might be rich from the type of car you drive or where you live (if they work in an office and can see where you live or they know you from the neighborhood especially). They will literally try to look up info on you or use other coworkers to ask various questions so the information gets back to them.

I never discuss anything personal at work even with coworkers that I like and im friendly with. The less people know the better it is. Its easier to let it be a mystery to them, and less for them to gossip about

All this things are the ones that make me want to work remotely. No drama, no gossip and more than all no worrying about what others think, do or not do.

Don't talk about Sexually history Criminal history Negative work history Financial history Keep work and private life seperate.

I never go to any company parties

"I trusted karma to do it's job, so that I can do mine." =GOLD

Walls tend to be much thinner in workplaces than most of us think. If you ever have any doubts about sharing something with even one person at work, you probably shouldn't share it at all.

Always listen to gossip. Never spread it. Don't believe it but be prepared for it being true.

My husband and I , after 27 yrs marriage, bought our dream house. We worked very hard to get to this point in our life. But I’am uncomfortable talking about it at work because people think you are bragging or that you must have a lot of money. No, I wish they could understand that we suffered and sacrificed to buy this home and we are very proud of it. I might of heard this on here. People don’t mind if you do well, but do like it if you do better than they are. I’ve noticed this also includes family.

Don’t tell anybody not even your boss your personal matters unless you want it shared with everyone. I understand you have to tell the boss why you have to go hiatus aka leave for a while like a family emergency, medical leave but don’t give too much away.

Whenever my coworkers ask me what I'm doing on the weekend, I always say nothing that matters here. I have to maintain that wall between the world of the job and the world of me.

Trust nobody. I have experienced this first hand. I was accused of saying something I never said because someone was determined to misinterpret what I said. It backfired.

I have a co worker that is always telling everyone her personal stuff. Besides telling everyone at work she posts it on Facebook. I’m the opposite I believe that you should keep your personal life to yourself.

This is a mad world. Always watch your back.

Two teachers (who were friends) both applied for the same assistant principal position. The interview was on a Friday. That night they went out drinking. Catherine (name changed) had too much to drink and slept on Jen's (name changed) couch. That Monday Jen went in and told everyone Catherine had too much to drink and it got back to the interview committee. Who got the job? Catherine! In my opinion for two reasons. 1. No one likes a back stabber. 2. We all make mistakes. It is sixteen years later and Catherine moved up to principal. Jen is still trying to become assistant principal. She has literally been passed over in the district 40 plus times. Jen is now approaching 60 and still trying. So dumb.

I have lost out on 10 years of raises due to the perception at work that I come from money all due to me inheriting enough money for a downpayment for a house in a SoCal suburb. I was 25 and stupidly thought my co-workers were friends so I explained how I bought my house and asked for time off for the closing, etc. 10 years later- all my co-worker have heard from a chatty co-worker about my 'winfall'. I'm the one who doesn't need a raise-ever. When I sold that house for a nice profit- I told no one but HR that my address changed. Tell co-workers nothing! the same chatty co-worker told everyone another co-worker was rich merely for taking horse riding lesson because apparently only rich people do that.

If you have a problem with a co-worker especially your boss, or vice versa, DO NOT TALK TO THEM ON THE PHONE 📞. They will record you and y’all conversation without you noticing.

I used to share tips with my coworkers when something happened to me and I learned something new, and I wanted to share it because I didn't want them making the same mistake or encountering the same issue but I've realized they don't do the same for me, either of them. They don't share any new info or tips, it's always just me, and I feel like that makes my "mistakes" more noticeable or obvious, when they make mistakes I don't even realize it until our supervisor brings it up as a "learning experience" without pointing fingers. One time I gave a coworker that was being misunderstood by our supervisor advice, I told her to explain the situation and clear things up but then they both became cold and disregarded me altogether and even made me look or feel like I was being difficult ....this is something I've had to learn the hard way too, don't try to give "advice" or tips when it is not asked of you, people don't like that and instead it makes you look bad. I just don't want people making the same mistakes I am if it can be avoided, but oh well we all gotta learn somehow and I need to stop with my hero complex lol...

I wouldn’t even tell my co workers that I have kids

Some people just blurt out everything you tell them. They won’t do it maliciously, they just say everything. Like children. Better not to say too much.

Oh, I know the boundary between personal and professional. I don't discuss my private life at all. I only bring up things that could reasonably jeopardize my position. Co-workers are not your friends in most cases, so I do my job and go home. Far as sharing your ambitions, don't. In the past few years, I've had people try and trick me into telling them things and I refuse.

I make up the most ridiculous stories at work to keep the rumor mill going. Sometimes I call in late and dress like I just got out of an interview just to let my boss know what’s up.

I know my big mouth prevented me from from advancing into management at my Company. Listen to this advice and shut up!!!!😂

Had one co-worker that told another co-worker about his wife not having a period 😂. Man that's just crossing the line right there. People tell way too much of their personal business and they aren't even your friends outside of work.

Hearing all of these, is making me realize, I may not have played it as safe as I thought I had. I tried very hard not to share too much with my coworkers, (because I didn’t trust them anyway). There were times I did feel it necessary to share things happening in my life. Like having too much on my plate, and asking my supervisor for time off. Telling my supervisor about my engagement, and answering questions about my plans for the wedding…guess where my supervisor is going for HER wedding, after she railroaded me into getting fired?

Zero sharing. Happiness loves privacy!

Yeah the $25,000 in debt thing was something I had one coworker do that. We all started judging her even if we didn't want to think about her that type of much. But everyday she was talking about how much money she DIDN'T have. Which roommate wasn't paying and how much she lost on scratch offs. She has no boundaries.

If you're good at your job coworkers know it and will be jealous so do your best to get even better it drives them nuts

You're 100% right. On my last job, I avoided any information about my life, and never complained to anyone about coworkers. I never gossiped, and it all saved my ass. When my supervisor said something bad about a long-time employee, I said nothing. When the other old timers said bad things about him, I said nothing. Read the 48 Laws of Power, it says to observe, but say nothing. That way you will know what's going on, and avoid getting in trouble.

My motto is always 'keep it civil,keep it moving'

So glad I work from home cause these office politics…whew 😩

Not having children can influence salary and promotion counter intuitively.

I remember talking to a guy in the lunch room about some private matters, and of course everyone was listening in. Never, never again will I say things out loud like this. It took 6 months, or longer for them to quit hassling me over what I said.

Your videos are very helpful but what we really need is not just "don't tell your personal business to co-workers and bosses" but HOW EXACTLY to shut them down WITHOUT making a scene or getting them all twisted up. This is especially hard when you work in a small office or department where grudges thrive. I've had co-workers ask directly "are you married? Do you have kids' etc.?" What exactly is the response to that line of questioning if you don't want to share but don't want to start major drama because IT WILL. They will keep coming back and gossip loudly "SHE/HE/THEY are hiding something/don't want to be friendly/are not team players, etc" if you stay quiet. People are relentless. And now IF you get past probation depends on whether your co-workers "like you or not", not only on the work you do. (Oh yes, this is real!). Next level advice is needed.

What’s interesting about this is at a previous job gossip was totally weaponized and management encouraged it.

I work alot of overtime because I am saving up to buy a house. I am reluctant to talk about my home ownership goals at work because some people might assume that I have money coming in from somewhere else since the housing market here in Los Angeles makes it very hard for a young person to buy anything as first time buyer.

Never talk about your finances at work especially your pay rate. Too much jealousy and people don’t like when you’re doing better than them.

I got promoted to a lead position in April. I was so excited for my new role, but immediately was shocked at the amount of gossip that goes on between all the leads and supervisors in my department. They talk about EVERYONE and whatever they have going on in their personal lives. I know they must do the same about me. Needless to say I am looking for a different role elsewhere because I can’t deal with the toxicity.

Petty coworkers make stuff up.

I only tell them info that adds to my legend. 😮

I'm very open at work. Very direct. I tell everyone what I think about everyone, in front of everyone. I do what I want too.

I straight up told my boss I am financially well off in hopes he wouldn't offer me MORE promotions. I just need the check. Not responsibility.

I use to tell people I didn't trust a secret mostly not true ....only them to see if it got back to me.

It's not realistic to completely clam up about personal details to coworkers. To not share anything personal at all is a red flag and essentially comes across as an admission that you have things to hide. I think the best approach is to consciously decide ahead of time what you are willing to share, assuming that it will be known by everyone else. Keep the juicy stuff to yourself and disseminate gossip fodder sparingly, but mindfully. Let them gossip about the trivial stuff that doesn't really matter to your professional reputation.

People definitely don’t like it if you’re getting paid more than them and you’re in the same position as them. So don’t talk about finances or pay rate aka wages at work or outside work either.

The thing is, you don't have to talk; people will makeup things about you simply if you exist and provoke things in them just by existing.

Male work bestie = Side dude. 💯💯💯

Your social acceptance and your tactical social skills are so underrated for workplace survival.

I think the self-tattling is situational. It's good to take ownership if you messed up especially if you're a leader or trainner. Ive worked with people who cannot admit they messed up so they gaslight everyone else, and had a lot of colleagues quit within a year.

I just talk about my cats🤣

Don’t confuse gossiping and reporting someone for an illegal behavior.

I tell people I have no mortgage and I have lots of money in the bank. They get jealous because they are Loser's 😂

I just lost it at work....today. A co-worker I never trusted or liked it was confirmed. This is a gutter toxic workplace, and I fell into the gutter. I hate that I have joined the gutter ranks. Pray I get out of this toxic place so I can heal, please

Never share anything do your job and go home.........😊 That's reality.. I will plan to left corporate soon.

I've been supporting my parents for a long time and about 10 years ago I stopped telling my co-workers and bosses about it because they used that information against me and to judge me. I literally lie because everyone thinks everyone else's life is their business instead of judging me by my work.

Also, never send gossip text or phone call/voicemail because ppl saved them and will use them against you when y’all fall out. And yes they will record y’all conversations without you knowing it.

I am so glad my situation was the exception. I met my best friend 18 yrs ago at work while I was her supervisor. Here we are more like sisters and she is the God parent of my child.

I'll do you one better: tell nobody anything EVER at work. Be a pleasant robot. That is the ONLY way you MIGHT not get fired. MIGHT.

Sometimes we are too joyful and kind hearted at the workplace which makes others just mind their own business, but that's not true. Always be like a spy with a smile on your face, never reveal what matters to you....limit to few generic and corporate conversations which are too general. But the question is how we are going to make our friends or supporters around... Please make a video guide on this topic

Just had some of these issues, but mostly with difficult coworkers. One had a pretty bad mental health problem so it was hard for me to hide my dislike for her when she was being moody and prolbematic because management didn't want to do anything either. I just have certain buttons and her behaviors kept pressing them. It also doesn't help when management won't manage so you really can't trust them to deal with your concerns reasonably or consistently. It can leave you without a way to really deal with the stress and understandable venting can become perceived as toxic by the same managers who won't do anything to help minimize the problems. It's very frustrating.

God, this sounds just awful! I spent 40 years being self-employed and always wondered if that was the right decision. Now I know it definitely was. How do people, evidently most people, put up with this unnecessary stress? What a waste of effort and energy! No wonder so many people suffer from anxiety and depression. My anxiety came from my clients, each one (like a boss) different from the others, but I could figure out how to handle each one, on my terms, with no one else interfering. I must have done it well since I retained the same clients for decades throughout my career which was highly efficient because I never had to contend with all the stuff in this video.

Good Morning 🌞 Jennifer ! I learned the hard way , not to share fiscal information with some coworkers as I was hit up for loans which I was uncomfortable doing & had to refuse. Mums 🤫 the word at work when in doubt ! Hope you & your family have a great summer ☀️ !

I hate that I can't just shut my mouth... I am such a dumb open book because I was always taught being open and honest was best... but now all it is doing is biting me in the ass and making me lose everything...

My husband told everyone at his job about my surgery. I told him it's none of their business. He's friendly and thinks everyone is. Also, when a new employee is hired he finds out how many kids they have, marital status and country of origin and tells them where my parents are from. I wish he'd stop.

I'm really sorry I haven't watched this video 6 mothns ago when I got a new job. The amount of stress I felt after making the 1st mistake that was mentioned in the video, and it was right in the beginning, so it felt x2 harder. I mean srsly, if anyone at your work tells you something, you should ALWAYS think before you decide to share this info with anyone. Anything can be used against you, and somtimes by people, you would less expect it from.

I really need this video reminder! Thank you Jennifer!

Thank you for the insightful tips and advice! This is much needed!

I've followed you from the beginning. Your videos get better every time and you have helped me a lot!

I somewhat disagree, I reached out to my boss I had trouble with my car constantly because it was old. It was affecting my work because I didn't want to buy a new one and pay a lot of money. He got me a solid raise and helped me get the new ride. I talked to him about it and he was very cool about it.

I hate office politics. I never played it at my former companies. I never worked to please my bosses or anyone, I jst did my fckin job, full stop.

You are my work bestie, Jen!!

I wished I had heard these advices many years ago. Last year I landed a new role and my new boss gave me a growth opportunity path. I shared that with a coworker, who I thought was on my side, went to my boss and asked for the same opportunity. Felt very betrayed. I was more bothered by the fact that I betrayed my boss. Lesson learned. 😢. The good news is that now I know how ambitious this person is and she has no qualm about promoting herself at others expense. Poor decision on my part. She still thinks I am oblivious about. Best to keep my enemies close.

Thank you for this 😊.

Huge facts on not letting people know your next move. Stay Focused!

you are going right path, please make more video on the office politics handling

You soo Correct., People are Selfish- and cruel. Keep Private Business to yourself.. 🎉

What an interesting clip. My initial thought is that you are worried that you might give away information to co-workers so perhaps others feel this way.

When I worked as a tech operator for a company in New Zealand where I used to live all this negative politics and back stabbing was very common amongst the co workers. People who you got along with well and had good common ground with would turn on you in a jiffy. You would be pulled aside by management because some overzealous and jealous co worker told on you for something you weren’t originally involved with but somehow all became your fault as you were the one left dealing with the problem in the end. Favoritism was rife and only those who were on the same playing field or followed the trends were promoted over hard working genuine employees who’ve been there years longer over these new comers who knew very little but were promoted because they rubbed shoulders with management. Toxic workplaces are dangerous to your mental health and well being the job was soul destroying to say at least dealing with crazies on the phone and then dealing with crazies in the office who are out to get one another. I made the mistake of telling a co worker about my financial situation in my early 20s back in the 2008 era, the person I rented an apartment with was allergic to paying bills and paying his rent causing so much stress and anxiety with endless phone calls letters txts and emails plus pop ins from the landlord which drove me bat shit crazy to say the least, this girl at my job told my boss about it and then things became rather unpleasant in the workplace after that.

Thanks for sharing. Personally, And as a health care professional, I agree with the advice in this video 💯 %. It helps make your life a lot easier.😉👍

I gave up working a over a decade ago. This video just makes me want to give up again even though I was considering returning.

it's always best to keep work business info all the way, if you have personal problems rather speak to someone outside the work circle or see a counsellor. Also, remember if you share sensitive personal info and those co-workers leave for new companies they never interact with you but they now know all your secret info.

Remeber, your coworkers are not your friends out side of work. So don't bring personal information into the work place.

I agree with you! I have a new co working that came in one day showing me a mug that her late husband gave her and how much it meant to her. Her marriage anniversary was coming up. Her husband had passed away 2 years ago. Then a couple days later she comes in during her lunch with her boyfriend that she has been with for 1 year. 😂

Move in silence ☻

I really try to keep work and personal life separated. People from my job (hospital setting) constantly spend weekends and even vacation time together…oh hell no… I can’t imagine. I leave at 4pm and I don’t want to hear from any of them past that time lol

As always, excellent and precise advice from Jennifer. Just listen to her whenever you have a career-based question and you can't go wrong, regardless of what endeavor you're pursuing. She should be teaching personnel management at a post-grad level with her knowledge base and invaluable insights.

@JenniferBrick I've just subscribed and took a quick look through your videos. Have you done anything on NEVER going to HR with your problems?

Too many I know told when they were job hunting, some genuine folks that showed interest rarely got promoted or took longer, seems the unskilled or low skilled git them and some were no different than one that didn't get it..and I know a lot talk of money

Correct... you always want to put on a smiley game face and then politely make your exit when you can. Do this repeatedly to set expectations. No one will notice and you get to come across as super nice and fun BUT never provide drama fuel. "Everything's great! 😄 Summer weather sure is heating up! 😎Saw the funniest cat video on KZfaq!😸 Another work email just came in, gotta go! Let's catch up at lunch! 🥪 " (Narrator: They didn't catch up at lunch. Ever.)

Thank you.

2 gossip stories from my work: First story: I lost alot of weight due to thyroid issue and have to take daily pill. I was getting it out one day at work to take it and a coworker asked "is that your appetite surrpressor since you lost alot of weight"? I told her "no". Second story: Human Resources (I was reception) asked me to update an emergency contact list to display on the bulletin board for co-workers and some of the places I had to actually call to check to see if the number was still correct.. A few of the places were Rape Crisis, AA, NA, gambling addiction, HIV and AIDS, Mental Health, etc. Sadly the story that came back to me in the office was " that girl has a lot of problems"