I currently a young intern in the fashion industry. I am a university student intern working 40 hours a week unpaid for university credit. I had to come on here to vent because I feel silly complaining to the people in my life about this. I feel so overworked. I literally cry every night. The university doesn’t support me at all as they are adamant on 40 hours a week rule. I have never been unhappier in my life and trust me I’ve been through some shitty things. The last place I worked at my employer was so cruel to me (name calling, gaslighting, belittling) and it really hurt me. I think it really changed the way I view things. Because of the nature of the industry i have met some awful people. I don’t share this rise and grind workset that most people have because I feel like it’s such a trap. I do understand that working is essential to some degree to be able to survive in the world. I work alongside older industry professionals who have been very successful and I look at them, they’re so frantic, overworked and wrinkly with stress and think if this is what the job turns you into in 40 years I don’t want it. I’m in charge of my own happiness and destiny and I choose not to be a workaholic.