In the past few weeks, I’ve had a series of interviews with a medical device company. The open position is incredibly interesting and would be seriously challenging – both of which I find appealing. I like the idea of working in a professional capacity to improve the lives of others, and working to bring life-saving medical devices to market would surely do that.
There’s just one problem: they do animal testing. I finally asked about this in my last interview. I knew that the answer would probably be yes, as I think (and I might be wrong on this) that the FDA requires animal testing prior to doing human clinical trials. Well, as my interviewer explained the reasoning behind why they do it, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach. Could I do this? Would this compromise my ethics? Would the good I could do outweigh the bad?
I got my answer when he said, “Part of your job would involve attending these animal tests, which are typically carried out on live pigs. After the device is tested, the animal is humanely euthanized and an autopsy is conducted.”
ATTEND an animal test?? I felt myself wanting to tear up – that feeling like there’s something caught in your throat, you know? I knew I wouldn’t be able to do it. As he finished up his speech about how they don’t take these tests lightly and they don’t do any more than they absolutely are required to, he asked me if I could handle doing this. I knew the answer, but just said, “You know, I am going to have to sit on that for a little bit and see if I can square it up with how I choose to live my life. But thank you for explaining it all to me and for being open about it – I appreciate it.”
I left there disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to pursue a job that, ethics aside (which I can’t do – put my ethics aside), I find really interesting.
Am I overreacting? If any other animal advocates/vegans have anything to say on this, I’d be very interested. I think I just feel too conflicted to be able to take this job and really give it my all, you know?
I just want to let you know that I interviewed with a law firm who represented “corporations” I finally asked WHO the represented and KFC (along with many other “burger chains” was on the list). I declined a second interview saying morally, I could not help defend those companies. They asked for a reason and I said “I AM A VEGAN”
I couldn’t work for them and attend animal trials either.
I would certainly disagree with the presumption that many will make that you are “over-reacting.” Indeed, given the unethical nature of the work, and your ethical veganism, to react otherwise would call into question the principles on which you “live your life”; as you said, you cannot put your ethics aside – nor should you.
There are “gray areas,” however, given the prevalence of institutionalized animal exploitation in society. Often times, we may be employed for organizations whose unstated ends may be the continuation of these industries. This aside, the situation presented in the original post, and ‘lindsaynixon’ case as well, are quite stark – black and white – and given the nature of ethical veganism, we have an obligation not to work for these companies, I think.
Mind, you shouldn’t have to compromise yourself for any job. Period. And I’m not being idealistic about this either. You did the right thing. We know you. You wouldn’t have been happy there. xoxox
And I know I’m not a vegan nor am I an animal advocate, but I think that’s irrelevant. You can’t work somewhere that conflicts with a metanarrative of yours that runs so deep.
I agree with Meg. I was gonna say the exact same thing.
Does the end justify the means? Are you really doing good when it costs non-human lives and involves suffering?
I’ll join the others and agree with meg’s comment, too – you should never compromise yourself for a paycheck. IMO, you made the only decision you could live with and that takes courage.
You did the right thing.
s.
lindseynixon – You go, girl!!
Alex – Thanks–you’re right.
meg – You’re right. I think I knew that, I just needed to vent a little probably, just to make sure. Thanks!
apollocreed – that lady is pretty smart.
sheryl – Excellent point – thank you.
ISO 10013, Guidelines for Developing Quality Manuals, element 4.2, gives detailed suggestions for creating a quality manual. It defines a quality manual, among other requirements, as a document that should “…consist of, or refer to, the documented quality system procedures intended for … planning and administration of activities which impact on quality…”