When a LinkedIn post and an ill intentioned person means you now have a choice to make: write a disclaimer on everything you say or not say anything at all.
So I write a disclaimer on everything.
I refuse to be silenced, ESPECIALLY when I have done nothing wrong. I was taken advantage of when I was in a very vulnerable situation. My post was simple: I was having a hard time that day because 1: I was very unwell, and 2: I was thinking about that time A PREVIOUS EMPLOYER said something very horrible to me.
Let's break this down, I never once said a person's name nor a company name. No names were mentioned. This wasn't attacking the reputation of a company, this was in fact a call for help. Back before I gained a great support network, it was quite common for me to take to LinkedIn with a post about how I was feeling. It helped me share my struggles, and feel a bit better. But it was considered an attack by a previous employer because I said previous employer. I never saw it this way, as by this point, I have had MANY previous employers. Just look back on my stories, I have had quite the ride when it comes to employers!
At the time however, I was a mess. I was still looking for jobs, I was desperate for money, I had NO knowledge of legal disputes, all I had was the damaging opinion that it costs you a lot of money. Thankfully, I had a friend I could reach out to, who told me what I needed to hear: that they had NO basis to threaten me with court action. Again, I hadn't mentioned them at all!
But if I was worried, I could seek free legal advice. So, I did, and they said the same thing. Please please please, don't do like me and panic, THEN reach out for help. I made the situation worse by responding. But I was able to rectify the situation by being the bigger person, and walking away. They had nothing on me.
My advise to you is please get knowledgeable on legal matters, get comfortable with knowing the things that could happen. I literally just searched free legal advice in my area and sent them an email. I also spoke to citizens advice directly on the phone. I felt like a fool, but they were very supportive and understanding. Always reach out, it's what they are there for!
...Disclaimer: I have not mentioned any personal or company names. My intentions are not to draw negative attention to anyone. I do not wish ill harm. If you, the reader, really wanted to, you could figure out who this is, but that is not my goal with this piece. This is part of my story, it's part of Laura's Life Lessons, talking about how we are all just trying to find our way in this crazy world.