Everybody's Uncle,

I stupidly used my company phone to make long distance phone calls and now I am feeling really guilty. Should I confess or should I wait for them to come to me? When they do come to me - what do I say? I know it was wrong, I don't know why I chose to put myself in this situation. Can you help me handle this as professionally as I can?

Unsigned

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Unsigned,

You should confess as soon as possible. There is an ethical difference between admitting a minor breach of rules, and trying to get away with it. The former remorsefully acknowledges the trespass. The "guilty plea" should be accompanied by an apology and statement that there will be no further unauthorized phone use. Offer payment for your phone calls.

Reasonable employers recognize different levels of impropriety. Your offence is not a felony, rather a lapse of judgement. Approach the appropriate individual and just "come clean."

Think of it this way: You will be caught anyway. Why not salvage some honor points by making the first move.

Good luck,
Everybody's Uncle