Would you be willing to work in a government job where you're going to make over $500k straight out of undergrad but with the risk/possibility of being an international fugitive in the future?
Won't get into personal details because I don't want to be identified.
I'm a very smart, innovative, and successful person that got the attention of a couple of people high up in the government (A Very Autocratic Regime). The country I live in had this regime for a very long time, and it most likely won't change any time soon.
(I interned at really big international firms, so it's very likely that if I choose a normal career path, I will be at Wall St. in 10 to 15 years.)
The offer I got includes a 10-year of commitment to the government and the current regime. In return, they're offering millions of dollars -off the records- along with a normal salary and a recommendation letter from the ministries of the government that will get me into any MBA program around the world. The networking this job provides is beyond what Harvard can offer, but it's not useful as Harvard's network unless you do shady things.
The money they're offering is very appealing, but the risks are very high. The regime won't lose any elections, nothing bad internally is going to happen too, nor I will be arrested for anything illegal anywhere unless one day 'someone' decides to bring 'democracy'. Then I will be fucked, no doubt. That's the only and the biggest risk about this offer. The current regime had a stable relationship with 'someone' that can bring democracy, but you never know what's going to happen in the next 5 years.
What would you do if you were me?
I'll work for you for $500K a year
Tiko, is that you? Bro, your country is literally at war right now, you lost friends in the war. Don't do it my man, it's not worth it. Come back to where we studied, it's so beautiful there, please.
I would definitely do it. There is definitely a difference between being a criminal and being a wealthy criminal. Wealty criminals get away with it. Think about it... is there anyone in the current U.S. government who you would consider is NOT some kind of criminal?
I would take the money, but I would live a limited lifestyle. During your years of service build up at least $2M in foreign bank accounts. As soon as possible start buying citizenship in any stable country you can (i.e. Europe or U.S.). If things ever look like they might be going south simply go 'work from home' at your summer home in Barcelona and if your government collapses during that well, you had nothing to do with it. You were just a businessman doing business. To further hedge your bets use your position of power to mingle with the international upper classes so that if things do go south you are at least good friends with some of these people as then you'll be well protected in literally any scenario. For reference, see how long Jeffrey Epstein lasted simply on account of his connections.
Very familiar with this autocracy, likely Russia. Didn't know they recruited out of undergrad, clearly trying to differentiate on talent.
Honestly, risk/reward trade-off looks nice benefiting from nice pay. However, have heard anecdotally that Putin is a bad boss (i.e., poor WLB, lot of facetime).
Few questions:
1. Does the autocracy offer co-invest (huge plus to share in upside potential)
2. Do they offer WFH?
no. as someone coming from an ex-soviet country where corruption is through the roof, my advice is to pass it.
once you do some shit like that, you can never go back (in terms of peace of mind). Also, if you don't have already close relationships, or relatives, or friends at higher levels no one really gives a fuck about you when things go downhill for whatever reason and someone needs to be blamed, because of your lack of network or relationships, you are an easy target. Also, are you the typical nerdy smart guy? Or are you more of a Machiavellian and paranoid guy? Because in such a system, doing things in such a way that doesn't leave track and always looking after your back needs to come as 2nd nature. nerdy smart = you're done.
having passports and moving your wealth around the globe will do jack-shit. switzerland has no more secrecy laws and assets can be frozen by diplomatic request. off-shores structures are disclosed if you open a bank account, those are only for tax purposes. big countries may offer to help your country if they want to maintain good diplomatic relationships so they will give you out. so you'll need to hide in some shitty islands. + INTERPOL may get involved if you're country really wants you.
i'll repeat it in case you're still too naive to understand what you're doing, just don't. if you look at people who are involved in such shady businesses/politcs in those countries you'll notice that they didn't had the necessary education, language skills, or opportunities to leave and pursue something better for themselves.
ps. sounds like you're from turkey
There's zero possibility that the Turkish government is giving $500k to undergrads to launder money when they're about to declare a debt moratorium.
The Ghost of Ankara shot down his own economy
007 is that you?
Come work on Wall Street, do shady things, and break the law for $500K instead. After all, it's much cleaner. No one is going to ask you to chop up a journalist and put them in a suitcase.
Jamal, is that you?
Lmao nice story. Is it yours or you use a ghostwriter?
Hey, if you want to defect head over to the CIA thread! Turns out this app is good for something.
If your job security / personal safety depends on the current regime sticking around, it might be time to gtfo out of whatever forsaken place you’re from
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