How "safe" is G-Mail?

[ACORN]

OK I really got shafted at work. The CEO has an open invitation for comments, suggestions, etc. Being in the twilight of my career I am afraid to gripe and have it come back to bite me. I am thinking about opening a G-Mail acct and sending a politely worded letter telling how badly I feel I've been wronged. Any chance of it being traced back to me? It's not the CEO I fear. The company hired a bunch of frat boys to run the show and I worry they may not take too kindly to me "complaining". Having 10 year of mortgage payments and a daughter in her second year or college I don't want to risk losing my job but I am really steamed! Good idea or should just carry on like a whipped pup?
I am sure there are others in the company that are in a similar situation. So without a name I don't think they could out who complained for sure.

 

[Bkreutz]

There is no safe place on the internet. If you're concerned about job security, don't put yourself in jeopardy. Three years ago I had all I could stand. Stood up, walked out, and retired. I've never looked back.

 

[DWalt]

It's probably best not to put anything in any e-mail message. And it probably won't do any good anyway. If you really feel you have taken the shaft unjustifiably, it's probably best to see if it's possible to meet with the CEO face-to-face if you believe it might do some good. But it's rarely possible to do that if it involves a company of any size, as few CEOs have any desire to talk with their peons, despite what they say publicly. Then you can get accused of jumping the chain of command. If you are a short-timer, it might be best to just forget it and count down your remaining days.

 

[Gunhacker]

My 37 years of working in corporate America has taught me that sometimes it's just not worth it, despite how shafted one was/is made to feel.

They don't really care, and you cannot expect or be guaranteed that there will be no ramifications by either speaking to the CEO or sending an anonymous email, which in all likelihood will be summarily dismissed as being "suspect", coming from an outside e-mail id.

You'd be better served by finding/developing a coping mechanism to get you through your "twilight" working years into retirement without eating your liver in the process, killing yourself from the inside out with stress/anger. You can only be made to feel the way you allow yourself to feel... shrug it off, try to stay focused on what's important... your family.

These "open invitations" for comments or "open door policies" for feedback are usually just "feel good" policy statements meant to give the illusion of hope and "empowerment" to the rank and file, it is rare to find a Senior Executive that really means it.

Let me add that I'm not presuming that I know what your circumstances are, it just struck a familiar nerve that I've had to weather many times throughout my working career.

 

[S42N8]

FWIW, whatever is put on the Internet can be tracked if someone has enough time and interest. Anything can (and often will) be used against you in corporate America. If you want that to be your swan song, it very well might be.
Sounds like you have a situation that isn't sitting well. May be worth a discussion with a lawyer you retain to determine if you have any recourse...otherwise, discretion remains the better part.

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

I would strongly recommend that before you do anything "rash".

READ Google's Terms of Service.

They Will Read All your mail.

There is Nothing Sacred on the internet.

There is nothing Secret if you deal with Google and many others.

Everything on your computer is Open to prying eyes.

 

[moralem]

Perhaps your company has a stated HR grievance procedure you can look into. But if it is a small company probably not. And what is the difference between saying nothing or saying something anonymously. If you have to be anonymous why bother.

 

[hoosierone]

The key at this point in your career is to survive. I went through a similar scenario as my working conditions went downhill. I had many years in, was well paid, and knew how to play the game. I was determined not to let these turkeys screw me. In the end, I left when I wanted to on my terms. The saying "living well is the best revenge" is very true. Survive and you will see.

 

[pmosley]

How "safe" is G-Mail?

Spend the time to thoughtfully compose the correspondance detailing your issues, carefully reviewing and then re-reviewing until it is as close to perfect as possible.

Then destroy it.

You just need someone to hear you - trust yourself above all others for the task.

Good luck.

 

[WardenRoss]

Go to church on Sunday.

"David encouraged himself in the LORD his God."

Some of the best advise I've ever received.


EVERY keystroke you've ever typed on any computer that's ever been or will be connected to the net is traceable.

 

[islamoradamark]

just do it the old fashion way and use the post office no return address and dont sign if really worried mail outside your area

 

[Ogandydancer]

I ate so much garbage during my working life it's a wonder I'm not a total drunk of dope head. Someties I wonder how I even got through it.
As far as sending the gmail I would stay as far away from gmail as I could get. It is really unfortunate that there are so many things that force a gmail account down your throat. I almost dropped my you tube account because of it and, that's not even mentioning the fact that any Android device you have require you to ave a gmail account. Needless to say I also stay as far away from Chrome browser as I can .

Others have really hit the nail on the head with the statement "CEO'S don't really care what he rank and file think regardless of what they say", so it probably best to just try to weather it out.

 

[vonn]

The reward /risk benefit is not in your favor. Most of our leaders will punish anyone who rocks the boat. If it is too bad to live with look for other employment before you pull the trigger on your present job. Otherwise you just have to put in your time and find the good life outside of work. Don't let your job ruin your life by thinking on things you have no control over.

 

[pinduck]

All above is good advice. Take it seriously, anything you say or suggest can and will be used aginst you. The only thing you can say in the situation is Goodbye. If you can not afford to say that, only thing to do is suck it up. Been there,done that. Corporate America does not care a whit what you think or feel.

 

[sipowicz]

This is the best way to send it: Wear rubber gloves and mail it from another town. And don't lick the envelope!

 

[walkinghorse]

Seems like there is a consensus of agreement here, Don't do it!
I f that rare alignment of the stars isn't enough for you, think about your asking the question about how to do it, maybe your inner wellbeing is trying to warn you !

 

[Krell1]

I've opened my mouth at times and regretted it. Best to swallow your pride and move on. I was in a difficult situation at the end of my career. I really felt, and was sure, I had been treated badly. I could have pursued the case with an ultimate win but chose not to. I hung in there and ended up taking an early retirement. To me it wasn't worth the effort and frustration to carry on a long drawn out legal case.

Being close to retirement is a good reason to look at what your actions may result in. You don't want to jeopardize your future.

 

[Rule3]

Gunhacker summed it up very well.

Fly low under the radar, they really do not care what you think, they are going to do what they want anyway.

If you must send something, use Sips method.

 

[DCWilson]

There is no such thing as an anonymous communication. There are only temporarily unattributable communications that have not yet been adequately researched.

Silence is always a good policy, and revenge is always a dish best served cold.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Go to a public library. Use their computers. Be careful with attachments, photos, and other documents. Use ONLY the software on the library computer to write the letter. (You may not be aware of it, but there is often traceable ownership information "hidden" in these types of computer files). Do this, and there's no way it can be traced back to you.

If you're really paranoid use a fake name when you set up your library account. If they ask for I.D. tell them you're undocumented (or homeless) and no one in America today is required to have a photo I.D. Reference the laws for voting in Federal elections. If they persist, tell them they're bigots and hypocrites.