Quitting this job(?) sounds like a good idea

[teniworks]

I've been reading through a few of the other threads on quitting. I don't even think I can call it a job. From the beginning I started out as an intern and was thrown into everything without much guidance constantly getting yelled at. So once the internship was over and I decided to stay on a little longer, I realized that this is not an environment that is healthy or conducive. Maybe I stayed for this long b/c I need the experience. Most people would kill for the chance to work at an ad agency but ... The main issue is that since I have 1) not been offered a FT position and 2) not under any sort of contract, I'm at a loss as how to go about getting paid. When I discussed this with the boss before we basically agreed that since the company was waiting for the retainers to come back from their clients, she could not offer me a position yet but, would pay me for the month. When we were talking about payment for the month, she also said "i haven't decided what to pay you yet". I guess I deserve it though for wanting this to work out so badly that I was will to do anything. So how do I leave and not get paid crap? I'm so freakin' scared to go out and look for another position but, getting treated like crap is no better. Any suggestions? I know that this entire situation is GD blasphemy. It's no fun not having much experience.

[budafist]

Ask for another meeting with her.

Tell her that you appreciate the experience that you have gained from their company, but it's time for you to move on to a paid position. Tell her that you will work until you find a paying job. Ask her if she would write a letter of reference for you.

Don't burn your bridges because her reference could be a useful thing.

[Danger_Mouse]

Unfortunate situation and more common than you think. Don't let fear of the unknown stop you from taking a stand for your best interests. We have all started somewhere, you will be surprised what you learned from it in your next position.

Buda's suggestion and exit strategy is a good one, don't burn your bridges.

[teniworks]

It's funny, I was told by someone else earlier to just say that next Tuesday is my last day and demand my check. I don't understand why, if you own a company, that you need to treat people so horribly. Does this happen with other professions? The more I read about designers being mistreated, the more I have to ask myself if this is for me. I can't imagine myself doing anything else though because I love it.

So should I just stay and suffer?

[Riya]

People are mistreated everywhere. People like to mistreat other people for some reason. It happens in every profession, but there are also good, wholesome enviroments to work in in every profession. Stick with your passion, but ditch the bitch.

[jimking]

How long have you worked for this agency?

[Maker]

Does your current job get in the way of finding new employment?

It might be time to tighten the belt, stick all the nuts you can grab in a tree hole and do what's best for your career, as opposed to whats best for keeping this non-paying job. Sharpen that portfolio, press the suit, polish the shoes, and break out the rolodex. Time to make trails.

[DesignVHL]

Pfft if ur not even getting paid...I would definitely take buda's suggestion...Except, I'd give two weeks....and then go get a part time job at starbucks, or any other place that offers insurance benefits (after 3 months) part time. That should at least get you paid consistantly, while you go out and look for your next design job. :)

When i got laid off from my last job in 2001, I worked at starbucks and freelanced till I found a full-time job - which I got thru freelancing. I've been able to moonlight/continue to do the freelance work while at the ft job...

But getting paid anything is better than nothing while you look for that new job.

Just a suggestion! But definitely think you should not burn your bridge and get a letter of reference.

[teniworks]

I spoke with the boss today and she was thinking that she expected something like this (me saying i wanted to quit). We talked about a lot of our issues with one another and i'm going to think about it over the weekend b/c i could either stay and work on making things better or decide ultimately to leave and still get the letter of recommendation (the jist of what was said). Jimking, i've worked there for four months. I went from intern to designer and seriously feel that this would be an invaluable learning experience but, now i have to determine if i can handle this environment and her personality.

[budafist]

I went from intern to designer and seriously feel that this would be an invaluable learning experience but, now i have to determine if i can handle this environment and her personality.

Are you getting paid now that you are a designer?

You need to be paid in order for it to be called a real job. You say people would kill to work for this agency - but I think people would love to be paid by this agency for a real job. If you're not really interning for them anymore and are working for free without reimbursement, it's time to move on.

[teniworks]

Well Buda, today I got an email from the boss today making me an offer. It was more like "this is the offer ___. Review in six months." Literally. So I am getting paid but, I never knew what the amount was before today's email. I'm still kicking around whether or not I can deal with the madness longterm.

[budafist]

Is the amount a good one or could you find something better elsewhere? I know it's not your ideal situation, but if you take it, you can take your time in finding the *perfect* job.