As some of you know from my post last month I just recently graduated from college and found a job. I have been working there for almost a month now and have been busting my behind nearly 60 hours a week working to build my new practice and trying to find clients. Well a week before I started my job they let me know that I wasn't going to be paid for my first month because of some requirements I have to meet before a contract can be started. I was weary about this but since most of my friends are jobless I figured I would take it and run with what I had. Well now they are telling me I might not get paid now until August because the requirements I have done just aren't yet fulfilled. The fact is I don't work for free and while my parents are helping to support me I need to make an income. I also am having trouble with some personal things I disagree with in the firm. Should I cut my losses and find something else or stick with it?
Always get everything in writing. I learned that the hard way this year. Have them write out your "requirements" and then fulfill them as fast as you can so you don't get screwed around anymore.
"I also am having trouble with some personal things I disagree with in the firm. " I think that says it all. Personally if I had some moral conflictions with the company I worked for I would leave. I hate to say it but it also sounds like they are using you. 60 Hours a week for no pay is just ridiculous. Just my 2 cents but I'd say cut your losses and find a better company. Hope everything works out!:thumb:
What sort of requirements are they saying you have not yet fulfilled? To me it just seems a little shady that they are not paying you anything and seem to keep pushing back the date. Is it a big company or a smaller one? Cant really give you much advice other then try to get them to set a firm date and make sure you get back-pay if possible.
Its a smaller firm, not a big one like Merrill Lynch. Just sucks cuz I thought this was a great opportunity for me. They are really nice people I just don't think its a fit for me and I am worried I am going to look like a failure if I leave so early. But then again I know myself, how hard I work, and my work ethic.
Like many have said, if they are not paying then its not your failure. They do not seem like they really want to start paying you for what ever reason, get something in writing and see what requirements you have to still meet.
Seems like they're stringing you along and trying to milk you for all the free labor they can get. 60 hours a week. Thats nuts. I'd be looking some where else. Maybe give them your two week notice when you go to sign their "contract". It doesnt seem like you'd be happy with the job. Its already eating at you 2 different ways.
I am meeting with the president tomorrow (I guess today technically) to talk to him about this but I am losing sleep over this because I have no business experience to approach this situation the right way and I feel like its going to explode in front of my face.
Get he "requirement" in writing then you can show this to your nex employer. Working to show the company your potential is one thing, but working for no compensation is quite another, especially if they start to extend the 'requirement date' further and further . On face value it sounds like a scam to me
You need to find out exactly what they want from you. Not knowing is like playing darts - in the dark. Them not telling you what they expect tells you a lot about what kind of company they are and how you can expect to be treated in the future. Unless they agree to start paying you ASAP, I'd cut my losses.
Life isn't a review by your peers. If you truely don't like something, then don't do it. It's not a race either. Making money by detailing > not making money being a movie star/rock star/whatever. Hand in an informal resignation and explain why you are leaving, either that will light a fire under their asses or you'll find their true colors. You can't fail in a situation that never allowed you the option to succeed. Best of luck.
well said, reflect. some great advice in here, I can't really add anything that hasn't been said already.
Hope all goes well with your meeting. I think it sounds shady as well. As mentioned before get EVERYTHING in writing I learned that the hard way.
Definitely sounds like thgey are stringing you along as all of your requirements should have be placed in front of you from the beginning . They may have financial issues and aren't proffesional enough to be up front with you
So here's the update: I went into the office this morning and talked to my manager/mentor and explained my frustrations and concerns about the situation. He said he completely understood and that he would talk to the president of the company to see if they could work something out. Well they came back with a proposal and while it was tempting I have decided to cut my losses and work hard to find different potential opportunities that will truly make me happy and that fits with my new degree. In the meantime I will find a small job just to support me so I can not depend on my parents so much, because while it is great I feel guilty and I want some independence. I am walking away from this situation with my head held high and a new found confidence. So thank you very much to all of you that provided advice and guidance. This is why I come to this forum because there is such a family atmosphere here and I truly appreciate it. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Chas
Very nice. You never know, they might call you with another proposal because you played hardball. Either way I think you made the right choice. The job marketplace will be looking better soon enough, I'm hoping at least.
A personal thanks to you Reflect, your post last night really motivated me they were great words of encouragement.
Hey no problem at all. Don't think of my words (or anyone's for that matter) as the objective truth, we're all a work in progress. I'm glad you did what made you happy. Don't let such a lousy situation deter you from future opportunities. You didn't waste time, you gained information.
