If your boss asked you to do something illegal, what would you do?

[AviatorTom]

Your boss calls you into the office and tells you your job for the day involves some illegal activity. You question him, and he tells you, "This is your job today. Do it or you're fired."

What would you do?

Updates

+1 y

Several people have said "it depends on what the boss is asking me to do". So, let's clarify by saying that, if you got caught doing it, you would be arrested and probably go to jail.

[NamerOfStars]

From experience: explain that what I was being asked to do was illegal (they don't always know). If they defer to authority, e. g., "I'm just following the instructions I was given", refuse to obey until they put you in touch with those responsible. If they push, just laugh. Illinois has VERY solid whistleblower protection laws, and there's precedent for being JAILED for trying to fire someone for refusing to break the law.

It's not something I like to do, but in general, attempting to out-asshole me is a very, very bad idea.

[MCheetah]

I'll tell him I'd "do it," go to the police, and have him arrested immediately. And I'd secretly record everything on my phone by asking him to repeat what he said one more time, before I told the authorities.

And I don't even like the police; I just want to f*ck him/her over. Maybe if they asked me politely and threw in some bonus money, I'd consider doing it.

[Bethany22]

I would ask him to put that in writing, then quit, and show the paperwork to the government to show I had to leave my job for no fault of my own, and then be able to get employment insurance

[ArtemisSilver]

If he was dumb enough to put it in writing you could sue too.

[Agape93]

Depends on what he wants and how much he's going to pay me.

[nolabels]

I once had a boss who had me do something that wasn't quite kosher, although I wasn't aware of it at the time.

I was later questioned about it by higher management.

The boss who directed me to perform the action was fired.

It was never spoken of to me again.

[Anonymous]

My boss wanted me to lie in court for him, tried to bully me into it. I said I would if he let me bang his smoking hot 16 year old daughter a few times. So he managed to convince her that if she didn't she wouldn't be going to college if he was in jail. I enjoyed her very much.

[NathanDavis]

I would let him know that there are two governments that are always aware about my doings and dealings... lol

and then I think they would not want me to be part of their illegal activity

[OlderAndWiser]

I would try to convince him that he had made a poor decision. If her persisted, I would refuse to engage in the illegal activity. I would pack up my stuff, leave the office, and then call the police to report this.

[Jaximus-Lion]

I have been there many times. I name my price, if they agree so we good. If we don't agree! They have to give HR and the union convincing reasons to fire me plus they have to give 6 months salary ahead. That's the law in Sweden baby.

[TheSpaceGnome]

Nice law.

[Jaximus-Lion]

@TheSpaceGnome As an employee, you have a contract and you have rights. If you work without signing a contract, that is illegale and it's a serious issue here in Sweden.

[NerdInDenial]

I would have him email me the assignment; so, it becomes evidence for wrongful termination.

[AviatorTom]

You know he's too smart for that and refuses the email. "Just do it," he says. What now?

[NerdInDenial]

I would have my phone out and use it to take notes. Ask him to repeat the assignment and record him.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the illegal thing

Murder well maybe for the right remuneration if they are a cancer to society

A bit of white collar crime absolutely

Robbery maybe

Kidnap no

Sourcing children for his democrat event, no but I might put him in the ground for hosting such an event

[exitseven]

I am not sure. I would probably keep all emails and correspondence and maybe even make a secret recording of all mentions of this than take it to the cops. i would start looking for another job.

[Redstang88]

Pretty much a daily occurrence. Depends how illegal and who’s gonna get the heat if caught. My industry is still the Wild West, there’s basically zero oversight

[driven159]

No, it is your ass if you get caught your boss will throw you under the bus and if your job is on the line then quit you don't need the job and while you are at it try to get it in writing or text or e mail

[Twalli]

Depends on how it's illegal. I broke the law volunteering at the hospital. We can't take people anywhere but out of the hospital. I took people elsewhere.
The reason we can't do anything else is because we can't be compelled to take CPR training, despite the fact we all have volunteered to take it. Most people don't care because they know we know what to do, but technically it's not allowed.

[glennos89]

Depends on what I have to do ofcourse but its going to cost him money thats for sure

[AimeeKyle]

No. If you know it’s illegal (and even if you don’t), you will likely be the one that goes down for it.

[douride2]

My ex boss fired me for refusing to do something illegal. I'm still working he isn't.

[es20490446e]

Get fired. That won't be a single instance, and it will get worse. Not the life I want.

[In_Trance]

depends what it is.

kill someone or break the speed limit across town?

[Anonymous]

No, Id start looking for a new job, and Id also tell the police as well.

[ArtemisSilver]

Gut punch him and then suggest that he reconsider his suggestions while he writhes on the floor, step out for an extended lunch break.

[DeadlyCreed]

Is it like something illegal like tax fraud or something illegal like drive a car with an expired brake tag?

[HippieVeganJewslim]

Follow my guts, heart, and brain. If it’s kosher and I won’t get caught by the pigs, I might do it. Otherwise, probably not.

[BobbieBoy666]

I would report her.

[Jdjfjcjj]

No, I'd report them and take their job

[LovingJo]

Depends what it was 😂

[Nominal]

No, i would not do anything that against the Law, or somebody happyness.

[TheSpaceGnome]

I'd report him.

[Crankor]

Depends how much he was paying me ha