You have been unemployed for a while and can now consider yourself financially independent. But before you give that sigh of relief, here are some things you need to cement in your mind so that you do not get complacent and start treating your new job like an old boyfriend.

Many of us have bad habits and traits that we dismiss

as being quirks or parts of our personality but some of these, if carried into

our careers, can be detrimental.

So to ensure that this new job is the one that will

lead to you that long service award, examine the list below to ensure that you

do not exhibit any of the following bad habits or actions.

1. Constantly goming

to work late: Only the owner has that privilege. Clock in before time and

turn up with a positive attitude.

2. Take

extended lunch breaks: If you get an hour, do not keep going to places that

will take you away longer than your stipulated time. Pay your bills online,

after work or on the weekends.

 3. Bad mouth the boss: You know it is only

going to get back to him/her, right?

4. Sleep on the

job: Go to your bed early enough that you do not have ‘dropsy’ daily.

5. Leave early:

If you have a doctor’s appointment or an emergency, it is understandable but

not to do errands.

6. Bringing

your kids to work: It is not a nursery. Make proper arrangements before

your co-workers start complaining to the boss.

7. Steal:

This does not necessarily mean money from the cash register. It can also mean

inventory, especially office stationery. It would not look good to be fired

over some markers and two reams of letter-sized paper!

8. Argue in

front of clients: This is a big no-no that may even get you reprimanded.

9. Act

unprofessionally: Regardless of the action, this is unacceptable.

10. Gossip/start

drama: Some people bring the drama everywhere they go. They just cannot

help themselves.