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The original was posted on /r/lifeprotips by /u/Big_Diamond653 on 2025-07-13 00:11:40+00:00.
Early in my career, I worked with someone who wrote emails like private venting sessions sarcastic jabs, complaints, even full-blown rants. One day, a client was accidentally cc’d on a thread not meant for them. It nearly cost us the contract. My coworker was let go within the week.
That moment stuck with me. Since then, I’ve followed one rule: never write anything in an email you wouldn’t be okay reading in a meeting, projected on a screen.
Here’s why this mindset is powerful:
Emails age poorly. What seems funny or harmless today might sound hostile, passive-aggressive, or unprofessional next month.
You don’t control the chain. People forward, screenshot, and save. Your casual “off the record” comment could outlive you in that company.
You future-proof your reputation. Managers notice clean, respectful communication. When promotions come up, your digital footprint matters more than you think.
It doesn’t mean being robotic. You can be warm, honest, even witty just assume it’s public. Because in many cases, it eventually will be.