When was the last time you worried about your online reputation? Whether you think so or not, you could have an online reputation that could cause problems with your current employer.

That was the case with Bartow County school teacher, Ashely Payne. Payne lost her job after school officials questioned her about images posted on her Facebook page.

[READ: BEWARE! Facebook Can Get You Fired. Just Ask Ashley Payne ~ VIDEO ]

Payne says she was forced to resign from her job at Apalachee High School in August 2009 after someone claiming to be a parent sent an email complaining about her vacation pictures.

At issue were several shots of Payne smiling while holding alcoholic beverages during a trip to Europe and there was also a Facebook status update Payne had written, stating she was headed to a game of “Crazy Bitch Bingo” at a Midtown restaurant.

The young teacher subsequently filed a lawsuit, asking the court to determine that she was entitled to a due process hearing. She also sought back pay and money for legal fees, however Superior Court Judge Chief Judge David Motes ruled against her yesterday.

In the ruling, Motes notes that Georgia law maintains that if employees resign, even when their hands are forced, it doesn’t equal an involuntary termination.

Whooda thought that one could lose a job over a photo holding an alcoholic beverage? 😕

How cognizant are you about what you post online?

(source)