Seattle, WA: Would you discuss firearms related stuff with potential employers?

[Trey Veston]

Aaannnd...the Washington state bashing continues. Please feel free to say what you want about Seattle's city government, King County and the county commission, our governor, attorney general and dysfunctional state legislature, but remember that those of us in the far more numerous red counties are still living pretty good lives, in spite of being under "enemy control."

We still have cheap CPLs with no training requirement (for now) and few restrictions as to where we can carry (for now); the recent gun laws mostly impact only those who didn't already own semi-automatic centerfire rifles and pistols that use standard capacity magazines. The nagging training-to-purchase requirements can be satisfied in ten minutes while the waiting period does suck, as we got used to not having one...

But more to the point, the state has tons of gun shops, private gun clubs, shooting ranges open to the public, plenty of public land to shoot on, commercial indoor ranges (very handy on the wet side of the state) everywhere, plenty of IDPA/IPSC and other competition readily available and a very vibrant gun-owning and shooting culture -- even in King County. I'd also posit that you're going to see a lot of diversity when you go shooting in Western Washington. Lots of Asian, Black, Hispanics, Samoan and LGBT folks at many of the ranges and lots of these folks have CPLs and actually carry.

So, while I agree with most everyone that disclosing that one is a gun-owner and shooter at a job interview almost everywhere is not a good idea, one would probably find in almost any business or organization around here that there's bound to be more than a few gun owners and probably quite a few hunters as well. Hell, even the gun club on the East Sound side I used to belong to is popular with a lot of Microsoft employees and more'n a few millionaires (pretty sure @Mark_Mark will agree).

To the OP (@twofewscrews) I'd say, take that advice from some, about never letting anyone up here know you like guns, with a grain of salt. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you realize how gun-friendly most folks up here really are.

Eastside Washingtonian here, and I am moving to Idaho within the year. I value freedom and liberty. Weird. The gun laws get more ridiculous and more restrictive every year as Inslee and Ferguson conspire to see just how much damage they can do to the innocent and rural citizens of their state.

Are you aware of the ban on the sale of gas-powered cars in 2030? That's five and a half years from now. How about HB1868 that is currently moving through the system that will ban gasoline outdoor equipment motors under 25hp including lawnmowers, generators, and chainsaws? That will go into effect Jan 1 of 2026.

Still not enough proof that WA hates freedom and rural folks? Then consider SB 6304 that will ban the sale of automotive tires that do not meet certain standards of low-rolling resistance. In other words, just about every All-Season, All-Terrain, snow tire, and mud tire sold in America does not meet low rolling resistance standards. I have only found one SUV tire that is considered an AT tire and is approved. It is about $500 per tire. Of course the folks on the West side have no problem banning tires that they have no use for.

The state politicians have gone off the deep end and are out of control. The only FFL within 50 mile of me is going out of business when this law passes...

"House Bill 2118, the "FFL-Killer" bill, was passed by the Senate with a vote of 28-21. The bill will now return to the House for concurrence due to an amendment adopted in the Senate. The onerous requirements of House Bill 2118 will likely put most Washington-based FFLs out of business because of the financial burden to comply. Any FFL that does more than $1,000 of sales per year must run annual background checks on their employees, carry $1 million liability insurance, install steel doors or bars at the business, and meet onerous requirements for storage and security systems with 24-hour audio and video surveillance. Even the Seattle Times agrees “… HB 2118 pushes gun control to a level of punishment for legitimate businesses… [and] unnecessarily tightens the rein on gun dealers while using the public’s safety as a smoke screen.”

Washington is a beautiful state with a lot of innocent folks who are quickly becoming criminals for not being able to afford electric mowers or low rolling resistance tires. While my house has doubled in value the past ten years, an identical one to it across the border in Idaho has tripled. I'm taking my money and self-respect and moving to a state not taken over by those who hate liberty.

 

[Trey Veston]

Oh, and regarding the issue of talking about guns. I work in a conservative company with young people and out of 11 folks on my team, only one has an interest in shooting. I was on break one day and on a gun forum like this one, but they had firearms in their page banner. My supervisor came up behind me and took a picture of my screen and reported me to HR for creating a hostile work environment by having images of firearms visible to other employees. The world has gone crazy, so just assume anything other than the hobbies of cross-dressing, growing organic herbs, nature-worshipping, or marching in BLM protests will be seen as hostile or racist.

 

[FL-NC]

NO. Not unless the job was oriented in some way towards firearms.

 

[hutch51]

Retired in Kansas.
If asked at a job interview I would answer "own weapons and go shooting semi-regular" . If they can't handle that then they don't need me or me them.
I don't really need a job, just a little bored sometimes and an excuse to get out would be nice. Having that option is wunnerful
I understand folks need to make a living.

 

[twofewscrews]

Are you aware of the ban on the sale of gas-powered cars in 2030? That's five and a half years from now.

Guess I better buy the 3rd gen Subaru Forester I've been eyeing as well as another Impreza although honestly I'm not really too worried. I assume this will happen in the same way that everyone was supposed to have a Real ID 2008 or you wouldn't be able to fly or enter government buildings. If 2029 roles around and they haven't delayed it I'll consider buying 2 or 3 more gas powered cars.

Then consider SB 6304 that will ban the sale of automotive tires that do not meet certain standards of low-rolling resistance. In other words, just about every All-Season, All-Terrain, snow tire, and mud tire sold in America does not meet low rolling resistance standards. I have only found one SUV tire that is considered an AT tire and is approved.

Cars are money pits. How often do you replace your tires? Hell I spend 3 to 4 times on firearms and ammo in a year then I do on tires and I replace my tires every two or three years depending on what tires I put on, so really I spend 9 to 12 times on firearms and ammo then I do on my tires. Seems like a non issue.

I'm sorry. I don't mean to come off as some rich guy, but I could care less. I don't think they'll be able to implement this crazy stuff. I hope I'm wrong. If I'm not I'll be seeing you in Idaho in a couple of years.

 

[twofewscrews]

Retired in Kansas.
If asked at a job interview I would answer "own weapons and go shooting semi-regular" . If they can't handle that then they don't need me or me them.
I don't really need a job, just a little bored sometimes and an excuse to get out would be nice. Having that option is wunnerful
I understand folks need to make a living.

When I've reached the point in my life where I work out of boredom my answers will be radically different

Interviewer: What do you do for fun?
Me: Well in my younger days it was cocaine and hookers, but now that I'm older its just hookers.

 

[Trey Veston]

Guess I better buy the 3rd gen Subaru Forester I've been eyeing as well as another Impreza although honestly I'm not really too worried. I assume this will happen in the same way that everyone was supposed to have a Real ID 2008 or you wouldn't be able to fly or enter government buildings. If 2029 roles around and they haven't delayed it I'll consider buying 2 or 3 more gas powered cars.


Cars are money pits. How often do you replace your tires? Hell I spend 3 to 4 times on firearms and ammo in a year then I do on tires and I replace my tires every two or three years depending on what tires I put on, so really I spend 9 to 12 times on firearms and ammo then I do on my tires. Seems like a non issue.

I'm sorry. I don't mean to come off as some rich guy, but I could care less. I don't think they'll be able to implement this crazy stuff. I hope I'm wrong. If I'm not I'll be seeing you in Idaho in a couple of years

Please don't move to Idaho if none of this infringement on liberty doesn't bother you.

 

[hutch51]

When I've reached the point in my life where I work out of boredom my answers will be radically different

Interviewer: What do you do for fun?
Me: Well in my younger days it was cocaine and hookers, but now that I'm older its just hookers.

GI, single, motorcycles, hookers. Howling Good Times.
Rather trust a hooker than a politician anyway.
Decided the world was weird enough without the drugs. It's just got worse.
Love your moniker.

 

[Old Dog]

Are you aware of the ban on the sale of gas-powered cars in 2030?

2035, and that's not a total ban, rather an attempt to phase out internal combustion cars and prohibit the sale of new gas-powered cars. I don't live under a rock up here.

How about HB1868 that is currently moving through the system that will ban gasoline outdoor equipment motors under 25hp including lawnmowers, generators, and chainsaws? That will go into effect Jan 1 of 2026

Tracking this too. Dead in committee.

Still not enough proof that WA hates freedom and rural folks?

I'm taking my money and self-respect and moving to a state not taken over by those who hate liberty.

The hyperbole is not helpful to our cause The morons in the legislature, the governor and the AG don't hate us, they're simply wedded to the concept of a "green new deal" and saving the climate and they're collectively quite stupid. I know; I've talked to and/or corresponded with many of them.

I don't think they'll be able to implement this crazy stuff.

I'm not too worried. Lots of this stuff will be tied up in the courts for probably the rest of our lifetime. As I noted previously, I'm not leaving this state solely due to the increasingly restrictive gun laws, with family and other issues far more important to me.



Time for a cold one and a good Cubano.

Still some snow on some of the lower peaks in the Olympics today.

 

[Mark_Mark]

2035, and that's not a total ban, rather an attempt to phase out internal combustion cars and prohibit the sale of new gas-powered cars. I don't live under a rock up here.

Tracking this too. Dead in committee.



The hyperbole is not helpful to our cause The morons in the legislature, the governor and the AG don't hate us, they're simply wedded to the concept of a "green new deal" and saving the climate and they're collectively quite stupid. I know; I've talked to and/or corresponded with many of them.


I'm not too worried. Lots of this stuff will be tied up in the courts for probably the rest of our lifetime. As I noted previously, I'm not leaving this state solely due to the increasingly restrictive gun laws, with family and other issues far more important to me.

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Time for a cold one and a good Cubano.
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Still some snow on some of the lower peaks in the Olympics today.
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It’s all good! Looking for my Exit too! Can’t talk with my neighbors about guns, or give them a tour of my house and let them see my giant safe. Can’t talk to them about anything really, even the locals are not friendly in Seattle. Don’t care, just looking for the right time to cash out

OP… what neighborhood in Seattle are you staying… can give you do’s & don’t’s

 

[Ignition Override]

No, I would not even consider the notion with a potential employer, unless the person or company were in the firearms or other self-defense industry.

 

[CoalTrain49]

If you want the opinion of someone who's lived in the area since 1975, including Seattle and the east side, I'll share my opinion. Don't discuss any hunting or shooting activities with a future or even present employer. Fly under the radar as best you can. No good came come of it. Speaking from experience.

You called it.

 

[twofewscrews]

It’s all good! Looking for my Exit too! Can’t talk with my neighbors about guns, or give them a tour of my house and let them see my giant safe. Can’t talk to them about anything really, even the locals are not friendly in Seattle. Don’t care, just looking for the right time to cash out

OP… what neighborhood in Seattle are you staying… can give you do’s & don’t’s

I'm over in Mill Creek. I'll be working in the University District. I don't plan to spend much if any time in Seattle proper.

As far as do's and don'ts, I grew up in NYC with heroin dealers on the corner and I've spent a fair amount of time in some not so nice areas of Philadelphia and I assume that same stuff applies. When in certain neighborhoods don't leave anything important or expensive visible in the car or don't leave it in the car at all. I'll be using the 07 Subaru instead of the 2020 Kia. Keep you head on a swivel at all times. If someone calls to you from down the block and you don't know who they are keep it moving. If someone approaches you keep you hands ready. Politely but firmly explain your not interested in whatever they got going on. Using a more urban dialect is always helpful. Ya know, the usual big city stuff.

But thanks for the offer.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I'm over in Mill Creek. I'll be working in the University District. I don't plan to spend much if any time in Seattle proper.

As far as do's and don'ts, I grew up in NYC with heroin dealers on the corner and I've spent a fair amount of time in some not so nice areas of Philadelphia and I assume that same stuff applies. When in certain neighborhoods don't leave anything important or expensive visible in the car or don't leave it in the car at all. I'll be using the 07 Subaru instead of the 2020 Kia. Keep you head on a swivel at all times. If someone calls to you from down the block and you don't know who they are keep it moving. If someone approaches you keep you hands ready. Politely but firmly explain your not interested in whatever they got going on. Using a more urban dialect is always helpful. Ya know, the usual big city stuff.

But thanks for the offer.

Great, so you’re street smart. Just remember, if they sound crazy, they are doing you a favor! BELIEVE THEM

 

[CoalTrain49]

I'm over in Mill Creek. I'll be working in the University District. I don't plan to spend much if any time in Seattle proper.

As far as do's and don'ts, I grew up in NYC with heroin dealers on the corner and I've spent a fair amount of time in some not so nice areas of Philadelphia and I assume that same stuff applies. When in certain neighborhoods don't leave anything important or expensive visible in the car or don't leave it in the car at all. I'll be using the 07 Subaru instead of the 2020 Kia. Keep you head on a swivel at all times. If someone calls to you from down the block and you don't know who they are keep it moving. If someone approaches you keep you hands ready. Politely but firmly explain your not interested in whatever they got going on. Using a more urban dialect is always helpful. Ya know, the usual big city stuff.

But thanks for the offer.

Mill Creek is upper middle class. Probably a decent neighborhood or was when I worked in that county. U district can be sketchy because it's Seattle. I wouldn't hang out there after dark.

 

[GRIZ22]

I wouldn't mention firearms unless I was applying for a job.in a gun shoo. There that would want to know your experience with firearms.

Never mention firearms if applying fOR a job as a LEO. You will be seen as a "gun nut" who wants to be a cop so they can carry everywhere.

 

[twofewscrews]

Mill Creek is upper middle class. Probably a decent neighborhood or was when I worked in that county. U district can be sketchy because it's Seattle. I wouldn't hang out there after dark.

Other then going over to Wedgwood, where my wife's best friend lives and as far as I can tell is a safe neighborhood, and working in the University District, I have zero intention of going anywhere in Seattle day or night. I've lived in major cities before. I no longer enjoy them.

 

[mm93]

The only problem with that is what if the interviewer likes to garden?

I don't think I've been through a job interview in at least 10 years. I don't remember ever being asked what I do outside work.

I'm not sure exactly how to say this right but If your going to tell somebody a lie in a job interview try to limit it to something you can back up.

How is that a problem? So he likes to garden, and you really don't? You simply listen to him talk about his gardening prowess, and then tell him he's way more advanced than you are. That should make him happy.

 

[JTHunter]

Cars are money pits. How often do you replace your tires? Hell I spend 3 to 4 times on firearms and ammo in a year then I do on tires and I replace my tires every two or three years depending on what tires I put on, so really I spend 9 to 12 times on firearms and ammo then I do on my tires. Seems like a non issue.

Yes, the can be - but not always.
I own a 2008 Ford Ranger pickup that is still on the original tires. That is mainly because the truck isn't driven often except during the winter. As of today, the odometer reads 9,997 miles. That's right, I have yet to pass the 10,000 mile mark. I am planning on getting new tires this fall as the ones on it are getting "hard" and I noticed I didn't have as good a traction on wet or slushy pavement last winter that I thought I should have.
In contrast, my 2011 Hyundai Elantra has a little over 75,000 miles and I've had 3sets of tires on it. It turns out that the 2nd set that had been recommended by the store were the wrong tires ! Tires with a 90K treadwear warranty were wearing out at only 35K !
This 3rd set should last until I reach 100K - hopefully.

 

[CoalTrain49]

Other then going over to Wedgwood, where my wife's best friend lives and as far as I can tell is a safe neighborhood, and working in the University District, I have zero intention of going anywhere in Seattle day or night. I've lived in major cities before. I no longer enjoy them.

Wedgewood and the U district is Seattle. The U district has one of the highest crime rates in the city. I used to live in N. Seattle. I don't go there anymore but some of my friends do.

 

[jstert]

when in unfriendly or unknown waters, run silent, run deep.

information is best shared on a need to know basis.

when pressed, neither confirm nor deny.

 

[Mark_Mark]

when in unfriendly or unknown waters, run silent, run deep.

information is best shared on a need to know basis.

when pressed, neither confirm nor deny.

Art of War!

good reading

 

[twofewscrews]

As an update, I got the job. Friday will be two weeks there. Yesterday we were discussing how to deal with crazies, drug addicts, etc. on the property and my manager brought up firearms. Turns out both he and the manager above him, the guy that interviewed me, are firearms owners and shoot often. I work with three other guys. One also owns firearms. One doesn't, pretty sure hes a felon. One was not there to question.

Very happy with this latest turn of events because if I am called into work for a 3am broken pipe issue or something I will most certainly be carrying. Once I get my permit that is. No way I'm open carrying in the University district even if it is legal.

 

[The Night Rider]

As an update, I got the job. Friday will be two weeks there. Yesterday we were discussing how to deal with crazies, drug addicts, etc. on the property and my manager brought up firearms. Turns out both he and the manager above him, the guy that interviewed me, are firearms owners and shoot often. I work with three other guys. One also owns firearms. One doesn't, pretty sure hes a felon. One was not there to question.

Very happy with this latest turn of events because if I am called into work for a 3am broken pipe issue or something I will most certainly be carrying. Once I get my permit that is. No way I'm open carrying in the University district even if it is legal.

I still wouldn't disclose whether or not I own firearms.

When I worked as a security guard I worked for three companies. Two issued you their handgun and one made you buy your own.

When I was working for the two companies that issued you their weapon the only gun I ever discussed with my coworkers was the company issue gun.

 

[DustyRusty]

Never