Another ethics/morals question **Updated**

[sactoking]

I know a person who sells things for a living. This person loves what they do and the company they work for. Unfortunately, their employer is doing very poorly. There have been thousands of people laid off by the employer and now the employer is forcing all employees to take unpaid time off (furloughs). The office the person works out of now has a skeleton crew. It's a branch office and is always in danger of being closed.

The person is very successful selling what they sell. So much so that their main competitor is actively trying to bring them over. The problem is they really don't like the competitor's product. Also, if they leave, their office is doomed and 6-12 people will be immediately unemployed.

So, what do you do?

Do you stay at the company you like with the product you like, try to work through the rough economy, have a clean conscience, but risk being laid off any time and not have any leverage when the competitor offers you a job?

Or do you go, leverage the competitor's interest into more money for you, take a position with a more stable company, but doom several friends, take a bit of a reputation hit, and not be as happy, especially if your current employer does find a way to survive?

Update: The employer just outsourced 9 more people at the main office. Told them they'd be out by March AND they still have to take their 1 week furlough.

 

[ric1287]

every man for himself when it comes to your job.

 

[darkxshade]

Things... Product...You dealing drugs again?

 

[sactoking]

Originally posted by: darkxshade
Things... Product...You dealing drugs again?

Again? I never stopped!

 

[CRXican]

get my ass to the competitor

 

[Newbian]

Go blow the whistle and then never update the thread.

 

[I Saw OJ]

Sometimes you gotta look out for numero uno.

 

[Amused]

Even rats know when to flee a sinking ship.

 

[DeadByDawn]

Bail.

 

[sactoking]

Originally posted by: Newbian
Go blow the whistle and then never update the thread.

Me = Goose?!?

 

[AreaCode707]

The only ethical issue here is whether you can in good conscience sell something you do not consider a good product. There should be no moral quandary about leaving the existing employer. Employers make decisions about employees out of financial necessity. An employer will not sacrifice for an employee. Employees should be equally dispassionate about working in a company that most rewards them. That may not be financially; it is reasonable to turn down great offers if the work environment isn't right, the job isn't right, the quality of life would be less, etc. An employee should never make a decision between employers based on loyalty alone, because loyalty is one-sided in an employment situation.*

*Disclaimer: may not apply to small family-type businesses.

 

[ggnl]

Always look out for number one.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: darkxshade
Things... Product...You dealing drugs again?

It could be hair gel.

 

[Proprioceptive]

Does this friend have family? If they do, there is no question whatsoever. Ditch and hit up the better opportunity. Family is more important than friends. You have to provide the best way you can.

 

[speg]

If he stays, how certain is his future employment? I would stay if I had a reasonable chance of continued work.

 

[MotF Bane]

Take care of yourself. Move to the competitor.

 

[MrDudeMan]

If one of the other people who would be laid off by the employee in question switching jobs was offered the same deal, would they have the same ethical dilemma or would they take the other job no questions asked?

 

[sactoking]

Originally posted by: speg
If he stays, how certain is his future employment? I would stay if I had a reasonable chance of continued work.

At this point, 50-50 at best. 9 more people were outsourced today.

Originally posted by: MrDudeMan
If one of the other people who would be laid off by the employee in question switching jobs was offered the same deal, would they have the same ethical dilemma or would they take the other job no questions asked?

In an office of about 6 other people, 2 would definitely bail, 2 would have the same dilemma, and I don't know about the other 2. I would presume they'd bail since their jobs can be covered, with difficulty.