Ethical dilemma regarding work?

Question

Well all know the economy is horrible, add to that the fact I live in CA which has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Add into that, I'm a college student, broke and desperately needing a good job. I have enough money to cover my bills for this month and that's about it. I have a job interview in the next couple of days, it looks like a good job and would fit well with my school schedule. It would also give me some much needed management experience. 

Here's the problem: It's at a tanning salon. I know that doesn't sound like a bad thing, but knowing the massive amount of health risks and the fact that I would literally be selling these people the skin cancer that will more than likely kill them in the most horrific, painful ways possible does bother me slightly. I don't agree with the industry or how it tries to use misinformation to cover the fact that tanning is just as dangerous as smoking (some say more so because unlike smoking tanning is becoming very socially acceptable and even encouraged). And that as an employee I would be required to uphold those mistruths. 

On the other hand, like I said, I really need a job, this one pays well and there's commission and bonuses possible. Plus, I also hold the belief that if people are so vain and shallow that they would rather be tan now than healthy and beautiful later in life, it's their own stupidity and they'll get what they deserve: wrinkles, age spots and death. Still.....I don't know if I'd feel ok willfully contributing to that.

Any thoughts? I'm kind of stuck between taking a job I feel is somewhat morally and ethically irresponsible and having to start selling off what little I've worked hard to get just so I can continue to eat ramen 2 times a day (everyday).

BRhen · Accepted Answer

Who is more stupid: a person selling a million dollar sandwich or a person buying it? I would say the person buying it.

Firstly, people who visit the tanning salon are the ones responsible for making their own decisions whether tanning is good for their health or not. They must do their own research prior to going for the services of a tanning salon.

Secondly, you are in a desparate need of money. Go work there and once you get a fair bit of savings, leave that job if you think it is not ethical to work there. First feed your stomach.

Btw, you are lucky to have ramen twice a day. Not bad. Have you tried ramen with cold rice?

Lastochka · Answer

it really warms my heart to see that you actually do care about others and you're so responsible. however, we're all adults here. when we go tanning, when we buy a pack of cigarettes, when we drink alcohol or take a painkiller - we know what's going to happen. we may not always think about those risks, but we very well know they're there. 
you really need a job and i think at this point you "gotta do what you gotta do". some people in your position would go and sell pot and coke without worrying too much about their community.... but it really is nice to see how much you care. so take up the job and live your life, seriously. you need that right now. best of luck.

Big Bill · Answer

You will be selling to those persons who seek out the product you have to offer rather than through cold calls and other means of seeking customers.

If it makes you feel better, post a warning about the dangers of tanning in the beds.  Such warning probably need to be given anyway to comply with current laws and such may already be in place at the establishment.

namaste

Lucas Wilderville · Answer

These people are coming to get this service regardless of wether you assist them or not, in this day and age the risks and dangers of sunbeds are more than clear.

Think about supermarket checkout - workers and shop workers who sell people cigarettes and alcohol which will also slowly damage your health.

I say go for it, take the job and good luck with everything.

vanblaricum · Answer

I neither agree nor disagree with you. Yes, commonly it is ridiculous that any one could submit a query and comply with it up with "exhibit your paintings". Those forms of questions I is not going to reply, given that it is seen they are now not making an attempt in any respect. Sometimes, even though, lecturers do not provide an explanation for matters in methods the scholar can understand so they're going to search aid and/or recommendation in other places. It's as much as the man or woman as as to if to reply those questions. I obviously do not brain serving to those youngsters out once in a while if I suppose that the knowledge will also be priceless to them, and now not as some way of simply doing their homework for them.

Anonym · Answer

you seem trapped on earth and only able 2 get things produced here and earth isn't really for this! that makes us all sick" so it is a learning situation to keep your mind off not being able to get what you need from where everything comes from so i think you are feeling alot better than you would be otherwise whether you want 2 believe it or not*
i too am in college and if you plan on thinking the things they teach follow the rules of common sence be prepared for a horrible surprise after death wether god is real or not! *that is what school is really about anyway*

can you stop people from dying then how do you know cancer doesn't keep people from really fearing death for their entire existance on earth* anyway your effect in our world would be greater if you go tthe job and told people your story*

in christian circles smoking is highly accpoetable as something you must listen to what someone is saying to be a part of THEIR conversation*

don't make us feel like bad people becuase we didnt turn communist for your one event in life!* but i am so i wish we would turn communist*

James C · Answer

As a soul on earth, You want to fulfil your life adventure which at the moment needs money
The souls using the facilities think their adventure includes a tan..
DO NOT ever interfere with another soul's adventure, unless you allow other souls to interfere with yours?

Fancy Jack · Answer

You should turn this job down and get a job in a liquor store, or fast food joint. or tobacco shop.

Ethical dilemma regarding work?

8 Antworten