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Ask HN: Do you let your politics guide your business decisions?

3 points by somenomadicguy ↗ HN
Right now I have a rather lucrative opportunity with a start-up that is associated with Peter Thiel. As a man of good conscience, I cannot do business with him, because of his support of Donald Trump, his bullying of Valleywag, and for Palantir technologies. I've just decided to send them a rejection letter, with a reason why. I feel the same way about Ycombinator now, and would not do business with any YC start-ups (and I have worked for 3 so far), if avoidable, because of his association.

I'm curious, how many of you would do the same, whatever your political opinions? I'm turning down a salary that is 50% more than I have ever made, with no regrets, but a curiosity how many people would put personal convictions ahead of personal gain?

2 comments

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aws_ls
IMHO you are being too idealistic. To illustrate, I would definitely not allow any malpractice/bigotry/corruption to directly benefit me. But if I need to do business with guys who have done malpractice/bigotry/corruption in some other context. I will try that it doesn't bother me. Also because decisions taken very idealistically come to haunt us later in life.

I believe Peter Thiel or his associates have given you this opportunity for your skills, which you worked at for years. Why should you waste it, if that opprtunity is good? Of course you may not participate in other aspects of their life and quit later on if needed.

Similarly the opinion on YC, because Thiel is associated, is even more far fetched. This is border line extreme idealism. Not healthy & not sustainable, and may leave us with regrets later on.

J_Darnley
How privileged are you to be able to turn down a job? Oh, it's just a different job for more money. I guess you're not that privileged.