A Question of Ethics and Practicality

[Supernick]

I'm being asked by my bosses to do something at work which I consider unethical. I think that it misleads customers, and is dishonest without actually falling on the wrong side of the law.
I have voiced my concerns via e-mail, and said that I don't think it's the right thing to do, but it's not going to count for anything. I need money, I need a job and I'm not in the movies where I can storm out and hand my notice in. And aside from that I'm not doing anything illegal, just something that I consider dishonest which I'm sure happens in most businesses in the country. Do any other people get put in this situation. What do you do?

[raysparx1]

Pack the job in, it's easy, I have done it loads of times.

[Supernick]

I'll have to get a new one first, but I'm thinking that updating my CV might be a sound move.

[Sasha13]

Can you give us an idea of what they're asking you to do? May help us a little in thinking of a way around it.

[Rubyrose]

If you really don't agree then hand your notice in! Sod it.. lifes too short and I guess I am right that it's a Job, not a Career? Don't prostitute yourself. Walk out with your pride intact.

[Pippa68]

Job or career, it doesn't matter...update your CV and get it out there.

There are other places to work, and in the meantime do your job without compromising yourself. Stay true!

[Supernick]

Sasha - I can't really say. It sort of encourages customers to buy something when they don't need to.

Ruby - This is my career unfortunately. I've been in it for 4 years 'rising through the ranks' across 2 different companies.

Pippa68 - I will be updating my CV, but if I start refusing to do things, work is going to become pretty hostile, pretty fast. I'm not saying that they would tarnish my name in the industry, but I don't really want the risk.

I think I might need to get out entirely, but that involves a career change, and it's going to take longer to find a job that way. I might have to bite my tongue, hate what I'm being asked to do, do it anyway until I can leave, and at least console myself that I'm leaving through principles even if I have to go against them for a short while just so that I can keep paying my rent and keep my future prospects open.

[Sasha13]

I know what you mean - my company does something similar - I don't like having to do it either.

I guess one way to look at it would be that even if they don't really need it, some customers may actually want it, so you are giving a service by at least offering it to them??

[raysparx1]

You can kid yourself as much as you want, to many companies get away with this sort of crap, getting people to buy or sign for something they neither need nor want, it stinks, and it just depends wether your morals are higher than you aspirations to succeed, I would just walk, if you are any good at your job, you won't be out of work long,sorry to go on supernick, but it reallly annoys me.hope you make what you consider to be the right decision.

[society]

Nick, it sounds like you are put in an uncompromising position. I do understand your need for a job, after all, we all need to survive. in your heart you know what you boss is asking you to do is wrong. Listen to that small voice in your head and let your conscience guide you. In the end you will make the best decision for yourself. Good Luck!