Deciding to blow the whistle Deciding whether and how to blow the whistle may be among the most significant choices you ever make. Understand the risks before proceeding. Talk to an attorney experienced in whistleblower law. Studies show that over 90 percent of whistleblowers report retaliation. The record shows that employers do not want to be told what is wrong with their operations.
Whistleblowers commonly face harassment, social ostracism, demotion and being fired.
You must also have a realistic view of the law and the degree to which you will be protected for speaking truth. Theoretically federal government workers have protections for whistleblowing, but federal workers who try to defend their whistleblowing activities before administrative law judges often find these rights exist on paper only. Private sector whistleblowers have even weaker legal defenses to retaliation. Beyond the risks of job loss and weak legal protection there is also an emotional and mental price to pay for whistleblowing. Do not blow the whistle unless you are prepared to follow through on your charges.