She Strengthens

Navigating the Blurred Lines of Social Media and Corporate Life

As a young professional, I thought I had found the perfect way to balance my career and personal brand. In 2018, I started a YouTube channel focused on my experience taking the CPA Exams, hoping to provide guidance and support to others going through the same grueling process. What I didn’t expect was the channel’s rapid growth and the unexpected challenges that came with it.

From Side Hustle to Corporate Concern

As my channel gained traction, I began to share more about my experience as an entry-level tax accountant at a large firm. I spoke candidly about my anxiety, insecurities, and frustrations, hoping to show others that they weren’t alone in their struggles. However, my employer took notice, and I was called into a meeting with HR regarding the ethics of my channel.

The Fine Line Between Honesty and Professionalism

I had taken care to ensure that my channel complied with my employment contract, avoiding any mention of client data, confidential firm information, or negative representations of my employer. But despite my efforts, HR suggested that my channel was more like a “therapy session” and that I should focus on making friends at the firm instead. It was clear that there was a disconnect between my intentions and my employer’s expectations.

When Confidentiality Isn’t So Confidential

To my surprise, my channel was shared amongst my coworkers, despite HR’s assurances that it wouldn’t be. The lack of understanding and support from my colleagues made me feel ashamed and isolated. It was clear that my side hustle had become a liability in the eyes of my employer.

The Consequences of Speaking Out

As the tension surrounding my channel continued to build, I noticed a negative impact on my performance reviews. Despite my efforts to address the issues, I was ultimately pushed out of my job. The experience left me feeling disillusioned and frustrated, but also wiser.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, I realize that balancing a social media side hustle with a corporate job is far more complex than I ever anticipated. My biggest takeaway is the importance of radical transparency – not just with my subscribers, but also with my employer. By being open and honest about my intentions and boundaries, I can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that my online presence doesn’t compromise my professional reputation.

Prioritizing My Career

In the end, I’ve decided to prioritize my accounting career over my YouTube channel, taking a pause on posting videos. When I do return to creating content, I’ll make sure to have proper transparency with both my viewers and my employer, ensuring that I can maintain a healthy balance between my online presence and my professional life.