Should I Retire if My Co-Workers Are Facing Layoffs?

I am a federal employee who is eligible for retirement. I have a job that is intellectually challenging, gives back to the public and is personally rewarding. As federal government employees in my department face potential layoffs, is it ethical for me to defer retirement? There would be no negative impact for me, and I am certain I would be offered other jobs because of my expertise. — Name Withheld

You may believe that retiring would spare someone else from being laid off, but in reality, it’s hard to know whether your departure would do so. Work-force reductions are typically complex, and the ripple effects of one departure are difficult to predict.

There are, in the meantime, countless ways to help others without stepping away from work that you value. Just for example, it has been estimated that donating $3,000 — about $50 a week for a year — could save a life through organizations like the Malaria Consortium. (With the recent evisceration of our global health programs, private donations to effective charities are more vital than ever.)

And your continued service has worth — to you and to the agency. The presence of someone skilled, experienced and committed to public service could strengthen the agency, at a time when the federal work force faces unprecedented strain. Staying can help stabilize the “ship of state” — an important benefit in these turbulent times.

A Bonus Question

I work in a city agency in New York City. We are prepared for visits from ICE and have on hand multilingual “red cards” that help people know and assert their rights if questioned by nonlocal authorities. I want to give them to workers I see regularly, like deli and delivery workers. Is it OK for me to hand these “know your rights” cards to anyone I think might need them? — Name Withheld

From the Ethicist:

These cards, which the Immigrant Legal Resource Center makes available for download, detail universal protections if you’re approached by an immigration agent, like refusing warrantless entry, consulting with a lawyer or asking if you’re free to leave. In general, I see no reason not to distribute them to people you think might find them useful. But there are a few points to keep in mind.