Ask HN: Should I testify? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#11

Post by 2pasc » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:49 PM UTC

It depends if you plan on working in big Companies or small to medium size Companies/startups.

Large public Companies (assuming we are talking about a case against a public Company) may be reluctant to have you because HR might freak out. HR is all about damage control and compliance. But startups to medium sized Companies can be talked into it, and if you work is valued and appreciated, you should be fine. As a founder or executive of several Companies from 1 to 80 people here in California, I would not take this against you.

As a side note, I would also advise you to do some SEO on yourself as was said by porter. It's unfortunate, but worth it.

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#12

Post by honksillet » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:49 PM UTC

I think most companies are more worried about hiring an employee of POOR integrity. Such a person is more likely to shirk work and be a liability. You should definitely testify.

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#13

Post by MichaelCrawford » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:51 PM UTC

When the end comes and you look back on your life, how will reflect on the choices you made?

I would testify.

Consider that the law firm can subpoena you. If the choose to do that you would have no choice but to testify - or rather, you could be prosecuted if you choose not to.

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#14

Post by lordnacho » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:52 PM UTC

If it's clear the company has behaved immorally, and that you have no ulterior motive, I don't think anyone would hold it against you.

When people are thinking of hiring you, they aren't thinking whether you'll sue them legitimately. They're afraid of a spurious suit.

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#15

Post by sergiotapia » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:52 PM UTC

What benefit are you getting for testifying? Is it enough to warrant the possible negatives?

It's simple: do the positives outweigh the negatives?

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#16

Post by idlewords » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:53 PM UTC

You don't need career advice, you need to degauss your moral compass.

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#17

Post by stevewepay » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:53 PM UTC

Testifying isn't as big of a deal as someone who bring a lawsuit against their company. There are a lot of people who testify in lawsuits, and their names never make it to the articles. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#18

Post by bro_haskell » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:54 PM UTC

bro_haskell wrote: post #10

I would not. Even firms that are not doing anything blatantly illegal steer clear from whistleblowers and the like. A recruiter that googles you and finds you testifying against a former employer may just pass on your resume.

In terms of career, there is no possible upside to this; I don't think anyone is more likely to hire you because of this. And, there are plenty of downsides.

What's good for society may not always be good for the individual.

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#19

Post by [deleted] » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:54 PM UTC

2pasc wrote: post #11

It depends if you plan on working in big Companies or small to medium size Companies/startups. Large public Companies (assuming we are talking about a case against a public Company) may be reluctant to have you because HR might freak out. HR is all about damage control and compliance. But startups to medium sized Companies can be talked into it, and if you work is valued and appreciated, you should be fine. As a foun…

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Should I testify?

#20

Post by seasoup » Sat, Apr 11, 2015, 6:54 PM UTC

It will hurt your career, sure some companies will be enlightened and not hold it against you but some will. That means less places will hire you, meaning less prospects. Are those places you would want to work otherwise? Maybe.

That doesn't mean don't testify though, what's more important to you, your career or getting the company punished for what it did?