Facebook and Work

I know many of us are now using social networks to keep connected with our family, friends, and colleagues.  One of the things I've been learning about myself is that I LOVE to share.  After cancer, you tend to really focus on the positives of life and try not to dwell on the negative.  For me, I have enjoyed sharing my travels and my foodie adventures, quoting movies with friends and finding out who shares my quirky movie preferences, and even sharing some of my working life with friends and colleagues.

One of the OTHER things I've learned about myself is that I really believe in the old maxim about keeping your opinions about politics and religion private.  It's not just that it really is a private thing, though I strongly believe this, it's also that if you are using social media, you never know how your friends will interpret your posts.  Some people who may see your posts may have a differing opinion and may decide to take their work elsewhere, may end your friendly relationship.  Is it worth it?  I don't think so.

Then there's the third thing I've learned.  I have an addictive personality.  I love being on Facebook.  I love seeing what my friends post and learning what's going on in their lives.  Most of the time my Facebook page is open in the background and when I get to a break point in my work, I can escape and touch base with my friends.

After a day filled with political commentary that filled my wall, I decided to call a halt to my Facebook usage.  I deactivated my account. I did it with little to no warning.  It's been about 12 hours or so now, and I miss my friends.  But I'm trying to think about the work that I need to get done, the things I can do AWAY from my computer (a bike ride? a deposition assignment?  time out with my husband?) and I'm hoping that I can wean myself from my addiction.  And get a lot more pages churned out.