When looking at, and indeed writing about career advice, it’s easy to focus on the positives; finding a job, getting a job, doing well in an interview and how to impress when you start.

However, it’s worth remembering that people can lose a job as quickly and easily as finding one, and companies don’t need much of an excuse to get rid of employees who aren’t living up to expectations.

Here are 10 reasons why companies can end your employment with them prematurely.

1. Taking too much time off

Taking every opportunity you have to avoid coming into work and arranging time off that you are not owed is certainly a way of highlighting to your boss that you are not that keen on your role.

2. You’re unable to do what you said you could

In your interview you may have dazzled your boss with stories of how you could turn the company’s fortunes around. Being found out that you made it all up is a sure fire way of increasing your chances of getting fired.

3. Poor performance level

Whether you hate your job or not you must always do your best. Failure to do so may hasten your departure or at least have the boss looking for a replacement.

4. Questioning authority

Remember who the boss is and do as you are told. Sure, suggest things that could be differently, but do it in a positive way and be ready to be told you are wrong.

5. Drug and alcohol abuse

Drinking too much or taking drugs will certainly have an impact on your work. This doesn’t have to mean while you are on duty; heavy weekends and late night will soon catch up with you and become evident to those around you – usually first thing on a Monday.

6. Taking your personal business into work

Misusing company time and property can lead to certain dismissal. This can be anything from using the internet for your own affairs to liberating items from the stationary cupboard

7. A bad attitude

You may be able to do the job, but if you go about upsetting people and generally being difficult to deal with in the workplace; you may find yourself out the door before getting the chance of arguing with co-workers at the next office night out.

8. Having a relationship with a colleague

Though not against the law, some companies frown upon inter-office relationships. Think twice about flirting heavily in the office or in the pub after work. And if you do really fall for someone; then you might be best to start looking for other vacancies before your employer begins to look around for a replacement.

9. Constantly being late

Although it may not seem a big deal, arriving promptly is an important part of the working day, and if nothing else represents you attitude towards work. Turning up routinely late can really aggravate a boss and accelerate your departure from the firm.

10. Idle gossip

Talking freely about your feelings for the company and its employees can cause no end of problems. Your opinions are not necessarily the most important and even though you may think so, not everyone wants to hear your thoughts. Discussing the company you work for and how they go about their business to other rival companies can also be a certain way of ensuring you force the boss to replace you.

Written by Matthew Crist in association with law firm Canter, Levin and Berg, who specialise in unfair dismissal cases.