I relocated two states for this "fabulous" career opportunity. I bragged to my family about how amazing my interview had gone and how they only choose a few people t to work. (It turns out that as special as they make you feel, there is ALWAYS a person on their second interview. Everyday a new bright eyed candidate shows up.) I was talking with a guy on his day of observation, and he asked: "Are you guys always walking around in the heat like this". Yup. I said with a smile. I was basically told to pipe down and stop talking. I was not to answer any more questions. I noticed that the wierd "lunchtime breakdown" was oddly identical to mine th previous week.
I dislocated my knee on the job. I was walking so much that it just popped. Yet, I was so brainwashed and "motivated" to suceed that I went out the next day too. When I couldn't take it anymore, I called into work the next day to tell them I was going to the hospital.
Not having health insurance yet, (They tell you that there are benefits, there aren't.) I spent about three hundred dollars on xrays and examination fees. When I asked about workmans comp, or some advance on my paycheck so I could survive while I recovered.
I never did get a real answer.instead I was offered an amazing opportunity. To go on a business trip! Oh boy! I thought. I was told to take some time off and meet them in Manhattan in a few weeks. I did just that. Healed, tried to spend as little money as I could from my parched bank account. And Then trucked off to New York.
Glamorous right? I was told "all you have to pay for is food! We have a house for you to stay in" SOunds good! Except food costs a lot of money! And I haven't been paid.
The business trip turned into a circus. I never knew where I was going to be the next day. They kept taki8ng me here and there, Long Island for a day. Then Manhattan. I felt totally along. (They would not let my boyfriend come to see me. It was "not professional" for me to have contact with him. During the business trip. Hostage anyone?)
The day in Manhattan was horrible. It was so hot there was a health warning advising people to not be outside for more then three hours. What did we do? We walked around in Spanish Harlem for six hours! I had to buy my own water. And My feet were so blistered I had to buy med tape too. The soles of my shoes MELTED! I was told to "keep a positive attitude" (How was I supposed to do that when this was still "training"—that means working for free guys.)
I got horrible heat exhaustion that day. My feet swelled up so badly I couldn't get my shoes off. I left Manhattan the next day. Feeling like a failure and having spent almost a thousand dollars on the job and never seeing a penny.
I called and asked about my "training bonus". Turns out you need to make money to get that money. They told me that they would call me back when I asked about compensation for my medical bills at least. Isn't it ILLEGAL not to have workers Comp? All In all. It was a hoorible experience that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
They made me feel special and unique and talented, and then they abused my spirit and wish to succeed. It was like an abusive relationship. I still feel sad and like a failure. But I'm trying to get a new job. I feel like a sucker.
It's nice (and not nice) to know that other people have been screwed by this "nice, professional" company too. It IS SAd, because the people there are all smart and nice and motivated. It's such a waste. It is a sugar coated marketing snakepit, where you can't trust anything they tell you.
Thank you for reading to my rant.
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