Hi there!
I’ve never written on a thread on Reddit before so bare with me.
I came across this subreddit during my current job and it’s been a great source of support for me! This is mainly because I talk to my parents about my job (and because they’re boomers the conversation usually doesn’t go smoothly), or my friends who don’t have jobs that they DREAD going to.
6 months ago, I moved to Los Angeles working as a sales manager for a very small production studio for independent films. As a film buff, this job was a dream-come-true for the first couple months. I was making minimum wage with no paid overtime and working from 830AM-7PM most nights, but hey, I was reading scripts and really enjoying myself.
In my contract, after two months I was supposed to renegotiate salary. I have brought this up to my superior (who also happens to be the CEO of the company) and she constantly pushes it out or changes the topic of conversation.
Now at my job, I rarely read scripts and I mainly do administrative tasks for my boss (return packages, send personal letters, etc). Needless to say, it’s become INCREDIBLY annoying.
I also need to note that my boss is a major, total absolute bitch of a person. She screams at me constantly, constantly says things like “I cannot believe you graduated college” and is incredibly stubborn and stingy. She can’t read her computer screen because she’s old but won’t admit it, so a huge portion of my job is reading her emails. No person has ever caused me so much annoyance/anger in my entire life.
I also would like to note that I have noticed that about 3 people have been in my position in the past YEAR AND A HALF. She burns through employees and likes to feed off of people that want to work in the industry, then crushes them and turns them into jaded, calloused employees that never want to see the inside of a film studio again.
So, my boss yesterday writes me an email while we’re at work pretty much saying that she doesn’t think the job is “suitable for my lifestyle” because I’ve taken too many sick days. Just to put this in perspective, I have taken 9 sick days since I’ve joined in the 6 months I’ve been here. This is a lot, I do realize. However, 5 of these days she SENT ME HOME because of COVID and didn’t even pay me for the time off. I also have been legitimately sick and have worked from home the days I have been off, but of course she doesn’t count them because she’s a boomer who doesn’t understand the idea that I can be productive at home.
My parents say that this is my fault because I’ve taken too much time off, but with all of the unpaid overtime I work and the fact that I’ve been legitimately sick and sent home, I really don’t think I should be scrutinized this much. Also, please note that I am making 28K a year and working about 55 hours a week.
Even though I’m working in an incredibly competitive industry, I don’t think that’s an excuse to treat your employees THIS disposably. I’m trying to get another job in the industry and have interviews lined up, but I’m very worried that I’ll have similar experiences in such a competitive industry.