Have you ever "switched sides" for a job?

[Anonymous]

Sorry, don't know how else to phrase it. What I mean is, have you ever done something for your career and rather than switch fields or switch careers, gotten a job in an organization that maybe was counter to the organization you have been working for? Best example I can think of is if a tobacco company exec had a change of heart and decided to apply to an anti-tobacco nonprofit or something.

My situation is not nearly that extreme but I'm interested in a job that is in my field and would use my skills and expertise, but the organization has disagreed with my current organization around a few issues.

No real questions...just curious if anyone has been in this situation. I am not actively job hunting but found about a job in an organization I think would be cool to work for and as I mentioned, the job would be a pretty good fit so figured I'd go for it.

[Anonymous]

For some jobs it might quite common. For example, a public defender goes to work as state prosecutor. Or maybe you join a firm which represents to other side of a case you worked on in your former firm. Of course, you would be screened off of cases you personally worked on.

[Anonymous]

I used to do hiring for an immigration law firm. We were very suspicious of those who used to work for the government (prosecuting immigrants, when we represented them) and would need a really, really good reason for the change of heart.

[Anonymous]

I used to represent management's interests in employment law matters and I now work for the government representing the interests of employees.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to represent management's interests in employment law matters and I now work for the government representing the interests of employees.

Well, at least, it was a big move up on the decency ladder. Congrats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to represent management's interests in employment law matters and I now work for the government representing the interests of employees.

Well, at least, it was a big move up on the decency ladder. Congrats.

I do like the enforcement side better than the defense. But the experience I gained from representing management has been very valuable in my current job. My colleagues were unaware of many of the diversionary tactics used by employers, which in turn may be overlooked by their attorneys.

[Anonymous]

I went from working in private equity (at a firm we jokingly called The Evil Empire) to working for a nonprofit.

I've come to the conclusion that while I was too touchy-feely for the private equity firm (I felt dirty sometimes, working there), I am nowhere near touchy-feely enough to work for a nonprofit. So I will likely leave here eventually to go back to a normal corporate job that is just touchy-feely enough.

[Anonymous]

I turned down a job once I found out the political leanings of the boss and the (small) company. It would have used my special skills to a greater extent, and been terrific for networking, but the opportunities it would have potentially led to were not the ones I wanted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For some jobs it might quite common. For example, a public defender goes to work as state prosecutor. Or maybe you join a firm which represents to other side of a case you worked on in your former firm. Of course, you would be screened off of cases you personally worked on.

My friend was a prosecutor who went after a certain type of "clergy", then she went to a big law firm to defend them for a few years...she was conflicted and went back to being a prosecutor.

[Anonymous]

No, not personally, but I know of this happening. In the one case I can think of off the top of my head, I think it was helpful for him to understand "the other side" of the issue.

But, something to consider, I'm not sure you are able to switch back. The side you left may always view you with suspicion, like you went over to the dark side.

I wish you could say which type of relationship you are talking about... some are so much less questionable than others-- I know some have raised this concern about government agency and congressional oversight committees--- but that is a collaborative relationship, even if there is strong oversight. Also, if it is something like working in a government agency, and working in the IG's office, I think that is a very important and valuable role as well.

The situations I think you are referring to, however, are those with more acrimony and suspicion between the parties.. labor union and management.. etc. Government agency and regulated entity.. etc.