Washington, D.C. is a very competitive job market to enter. If you're lucky enough to secure a job without having years of relevant experience working with bankruptcy lawyers in California, then you need to nurture your job like a baby. Avoid doing anything that will give your boss an excuse to fire you. If you're nervous that you might screw up inadvertently, this list should give you a basic idea of what to watch out for. The things that follow will definitely get you fired if you dare to do them in Washington, D.C.

Shirking Work

Work shirking comes in a lot of forms, and they can all get you fired. Showing up late on a regular basis to your Bracebridge catering job will make your boss think twice about letting you come back at all. Likewise with taking long lunches or leaving early, especially if you're doing shift work. Shirking can also happen while your body is at work. If your boss asks you to do something, do it. Don't complain, don't put it off, and don't try to pass it off onto someone else.

Harassing Coworkers

Every company has a different policy when it comes to interoffice dating, so before you even ask out the pretty Ontario lawyer at the firm, check what the rules are. Some companies will fire you even if it's consensual. However, no company will stand for harassing behavior, sexual or otherwise, and you might even end up going to jail for it. So don't make lewd comments. Don't tell racist or sexist jokes. Don't hang around where you aren't wanted, and definitely don't touch anyone without their permission.

Stealing Company Property

The company supply locket may seem like a treasure chest free for the plundering, but if you get caught stocking up on pens and paper for home, or worse, expensive equipment, you will be fired. Stealing company resources, like internet bandwidth or telephone minutes, is also a no no. Even though commercial mortgage lenders spend a lot of time on the phone, don't think you're fooling anyone when you try to throw in a lot of personal calls.

Imbibing on the Job

Almost all employers have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to taking drugs or alcohol at work. Even though you may feel like manure management is a job you'd do better if you were buzzed, if your employer sees or smells anything that makes him or her suspicious, you're gone. Some companies also require random drug tests. You don't want to fail one of those. So the safest course to take is never to drink or take drugs on a work night. Even if the effects have worn off, you'll still be hung over the next day.