Hi! Long time lurker, first time poster in here. I guess I just really need to vent about this whole situation. I work as a floral designer in a major city. We do big events and everyday arrangements. When i was hired, I was honest that I had no prior work experience as a floral designer but was eager to learn bc it is a passion of mine and I’ve always been a creative person. They verbally offered me $16/hour and I accepted.
After my first week, the assistant manager, the lady who hired me, pulled me into the office and told me that the manager and owner decided since i lack experience that they could only pay me $14.50/hour. Over time if I improve I can get the $16/hour. I had done nothing wrong and got my pay docked. I was so shocked but i didn’t know what to say or do so I just said oh ok and left. That was like 1.5 months ago.
Fast forward to yesterday, I was out with my coworker after work and we were talking about the owner of our shop. He owns multiple businesses in Texas and California and has a net worth of $38 million. I couldn’t believe it. I literally could not believe it. I get paid peanuts and this guy is a multi millionaire. It made me want to cry bc how will I ever get out of the hole! How will I ever be able to succeed and start my own small business one day if I make $14.50/hour and can never actually save money.
I’m just sad and tired. I love what I do so much, but I also feel like I was totally taken advantage of.