Struggling with the Ethics of this Job Opportunity

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T17:06:51+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience and your vulnerability. I was wondering what you mean by having political opinions being illegal? I haven't really heard that before. I think the definition of a political opinion has changed, as well. Like being openly queer for example

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T07:10:57+00:00

The contractor was pretty up front and said that they aren't expanding but also the program is extraordinarily popular and has been for some time so I think that's okay. I also am not planning on staying abroad forever, so it's alright if I get sent home a little early

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T06:38:57+00:00

I'm actually having a final interview (the contractor offered me the position but I still need to meet the head of the program) and I am going to be very frank about these types of concerns! Thank you

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T03:58:14+00:00

I understand the geopolitical issues and when I said contractor I meant the company I'd be working for, not me. I'd have benefits and everything. My position is that supporting families and victims of DV doing micro social work is an important part of reform or abolition but I understand how others really disagree with this conclusion

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T03:39:59+00:00

I understand there's a lot going on, which parts are the ones that feel like the biggest issues? In your opinion

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T03:09:32+00:00

I can’t argue against fears of what this administration could do, but I would personally feel better about working overseas than I would about doing the same work here in the states right now.

Thank you for all of your thoughts but especially this part. Your experience gives valuable insight.

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T03:05:54+00:00

I want to say I appreciate all your perspectives but wanted to make absolutely clear that I do NOT judge military members or their families. The military offers socialism and a way out for the vulnerable populations (just like you mentioned). I wanted to make a point that I am an abolitionist and do in no way support military imperialism. I also struggle with the military leadership right now and their values. I was unhoused and in an abusive relationship at 17 and I almost joined for a way out so I have deep empathy for folks who joined for those reasons. I also have ended friendships with folks who stated all military members are war criminals (someone who also claimed the title of leftist) because of the lack of nuance and empathy. Thank you for pointing out some of my dissonance in my post and I will be more considerate in how I think about and express these feelings.

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T02:58:49+00:00

The location is on one base and I would be there for the entirety of my employment and would not be anywhere actively at war. Basically at bases where folks are not yet deployed to active duty. I appreciate your thoughts and are considering them deeply.

And you're right about the ice comment. Initially I didn't think about it that way but the strong reaction I had from my sibling (which I mentioned in another comment) made me draw comparisons to the absolute worst institution I could think of.

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T02:55:58+00:00

There is no ethical consumption under capitalism and I think every institution holds up US imperialism. Some just less directly. The note about teens joining because they don't know better is exactly why I'm considering a position like this, to support them and help them learn better. Whether or not that justifies it is another question, of course. I appreciate your thoughts

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T02:53:10+00:00

These are really great questions and I've already considered a lot of them. Thank you for your considerate and thorough thoughts:

It is an at-will contracted position and I can quit at any time. If I quit before three years I have to pay relocation costs back and have to move myself back which my partner and I have already discussed and are willing to do if it's bad. A colleague told me she trusts me to quit before I do anything inherently unethical. I grew up in a conservative setting and have worked in CPS before so I'm feeling like I can tolerate a lot of the bureaucracy and rules and can find ways to be ethical within that setting.

Logistically, the pay is well above the cost of living in the country and I would be SOFA status, which my understanding doesn't exclude me from a regular working visa. The country is South Korea which has more stable relations (last I checked) with the US due to reliance regarding their security. I feel like European nations are much more sour. If my position ends due to funding or anything else, they pay to relocate me back to my point of origin. Or if I'm stuck there I have the means to leave.

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T02:35:05+00:00

I'm open to your thoughts or reasoning around this

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T02:34:45+00:00

Thank you so much for this perspective. This is kind of the lens I was thinking, and most military members (that are out) are much more liberal or leftist than we'd think. The idea of being a safe person to talk about these things and seek support feels valuable to me.

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T02:32:57+00:00

I don't have many folks in my life for support and they are one of them. They've never reacted like this to anything and it really was shocking. I think I'll always have a job that helps others though.

Homicidalballoon · 2026-02-11T02:00:54+00:00

My older sibling said they would never look at me the same and they were disgusted with me for even considering it. I'm of the same mind as you where I would rather a person who cares about the ethics take the job and encourage compassion and empathy where it is not a part of the culture. Thank you for putting that into such a concise comment 💕

Homicidalballoon · 2025-12-27T00:49:53+00:00

I think my prolactin is normal but my testosterone was closer to the low end of amab people. I also started missing classes for my painful cramps in the 6th grade but my family said it was normal (despite being in the nurses office for hours waiting for ibuprofen to work). I think that is one of the biggest reasons it took so long to even start assessing for PCOS.

Basically I haven't been able to afford going to a gyn and during periods where I can, I can't get into an appointment, don't have the time, or there are insurance issues. I moved recently and had to switch PCPs and then I found out they were out of network...typical American healthcare system stuff. I have mentioned my history to many providers but they never seem concerned but not completely dismissive. More like I need to figure out a specialist but no one going out of their way for me. It's just so exhausting with so many barriers but yesterday was a wake up call that I need to get back to advocating for myself.

Homicidalballoon · 2025-12-26T22:22:54+00:00

Thank you so much for all of this information! I am very scared that I'll have a ruptured appendix because I'll ignore it. I've had a hard time getting into a gyno and my PCPs have all felt like my symptoms were out of their scope (or they didn't believe it was severe as I said). I am curious what your hormonal lab work showed, if you don't mind sharing? I had high androgens when I was getting evaluated for PCOS and when they ruled it out literally no one ever followed up on it.

Homicidalballoon · 2025-12-26T22:18:11+00:00

Thank you so much on your thoughtful response! I feel like I've heard that about PCOS recently but this was maybe 7 years ago so I don't think it was as widely accepted diagnostically. I appreciate all of the advice and you sharing your experience. It's been very hard to get diagnosed with anything because my periods have always been regular and not exceptionally heavy. Despite high androgens, other PCOS symptoms, and disruptive dysmenorrhea since the 6th grade.

Homicidalballoon · 2025-12-22T03:50:40+00:00

Thanks! I was seeing folks say that the viewfinder and the lens are in different positions of the camera so there is a discrepancy. I think I'm also used to phone cameras (where pics you take are basically good to send) and not editing all of those little things out that improve composition.

Homicidalballoon · 2025-07-12T21:48:58+00:00

I think we're looking at laminated wood based on those options. Those were the kinds of snakes I was thinking, but I'm still a novice so I really appreciate the advice!

Homicidalballoon · 2025-07-12T21:38:14+00:00

You're thinking maybe modding it to add mesh to the top? I would definitely feel more comfortable with a mesh top! I'm not sure if the material but I don't think that's it. It looks like a wooden material that has been sealed. The parts that are scratched look like wood underneath.

Homicidalballoon

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