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Honestly I don't think my current job is ethical. Up until a few months back it seemed to be doing fine, but changing priorities resulted in it crossing quite a
by throwaway91753 5y ago
Honestly I don't think my current job is ethical. Up until a few months back it seemed to be doing fine, but changing priorities resulted in it crossing quite a few lines. Basically the organization has gone in the direction of developing dangerous/toxic assets which may be fine in how their products are currently being used, but the underlying technology can be misused quite easily. With new management there's much more of a profit motive where I could see tech getting applied to use cases which would actively harm people. I wouldn't be surprised if within a few years the company is acquired, so there will be even less control on how data and technology gets used in the future (despite what management may claim). I'm certainly not inspired by the regularity of proposals of implementing unethical ideas.
When I was able to see the direction that the company was shifting I gave a heads up to other coworkers on the project, started job hunting, and informed management that due to their choices I refused to work on anything associated with one of their products. I half expected them to say "no, you have to work on X" at which point I would have resigned. Since then they've toed the line, but I am not assisting that particular product line in any meaningful capacity.
So, why am I still around? Job hunting is exhausting. I've seen good roles with a good fit and gotten no response, I've followed up on others and refused below-market rate pay-ranges, etc. I almost left a few months back for another role, but there was a lack of work/life separation in an otherwise very interesting position. Perhaps I'm being overly selective or perhaps the more ethical roles that appear to fit simply require more experience, but I plan on continuing to monitor what's out there.