The general consensus of the current state of the economy is that the worst is over. The recession has bottomed out and we can expect to make a slow but steady recovery. I for one, work in a place of employment that unfortunately had to lay-off its fair share of dedicated workers. Our office is small enough that no absence goes unfelt. However, now that we find ourselves in the tail-end of Q1 2010, it turns out we had a better year than we thought.
As a good indication that things are heading back in the right direction, bonus checks were handed out this week. I admit to breathing a sigh of relief, as I went from worrying about job security to being handed a wad of cash, so to speak. Though, as I took my check to the bank, I couldn’t help but feel some guilt and sorrow for my fallen comrades that may be struggling out there to put food on the table for their children. Which brings up an interesting question, how much would we be willing to sacrifice in order to ensure the survival of others?
In a completely hypothetical setting, let’s say a meeting was called prior to handing out the bonus checks. All of the employees are gathered into the meeting room and given an ultimatum. We can take our bonus checks and carry on like nothing has happened, OR, we could give up our bonuses for this year and in exchange, one former employee will be given their job back. To sweeten the deal, it will be the single mother of two young children that will be asked to return. BUT, in order for this person to get offered their job back, every single employee must agree to give up their bonus. Sadly, I predict this person will not be returning any time soon.
What would you choose in this situation? What would I choose? I would like to act like I am the poster boy for morality, but even I must acknowledge that I would struggle with this decision. Even with the foresight that I will most likely spend my bonus money on something completely unnecessary, like a technology gadget that I can live without, would I give up this luxury for someone who most likely would not do the same for me? To be brutally honest, I would probably take the safe, yet ignoble, route of choosing to return the money with confidence that I will be out-voted.
The underlying moral question is how important is having more than we need? Is it important enough that we would not only take from others, but even deny them life necessities? If your answer differed from mine, then I tip my hat to you. However, I will remain skeptical until the situation were to actually present itself. I think we humans are capable of a lot more harm that we credit ourselves for.
Meanwhile, I am debating if I should spend a portion of my bonus on a Drobo or an iPad.
