I would hope that when the gross misconduct decision was made, it was because there was intent on the part of the employee to cause harm, or to use company tools to cause harm. Innocently going to a banned site shouldn't qualify. The policies are there to give the company the power to respond, as they need to, to protect their name, reputation, etc. Going around a firewall, defeating anti-virus software, etc, would get a letter of reprimand, the first time, unless it was malicious.

I don't think I work for a horrible company at all. The company has placed in the "100 best companies to work for" rankings. Lots of corporate governance awards in the past few years (one of the top boards in the country). Financial results are excellent, very good growth, lots of opportunity. I feel lucky to be there.

Drinking beer on a Friday in a cubicle was popular many years ago. The liability associated with the company condoning drinking before employees headed home pretty much stopped it. No complaints here. The times have changed.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue