Working for a Living (or free coffee)

As promised, I've been diligently looking for writing internships these past few weeks. I even got a tad bit obsessed with it on my vacation (which I don't recommend as that's not how vacations are supposed to be spent). What I'm looking for is simple. Or at least I thought it was simple. I just want to learn a bit about the publishing industry, get some writing cred and something that looks good on my resume. In exchange, I will contribute long hours, tireless patience, edits, re-edits and re-re-edits. Notice that I'm not asking for money? Nope, none. All that for free. But for some reason, despite the fact I am willing to be an editorial slave for a few months, it is still incredibly difficult to find this type of situation. Or at least this type situation that actually wants me.

This brings me to the thrust of this entry. While I freely admit that I am willing to give my time for free in exchange for some experience, I do not believe this should be the modus operandi for every person working out there. Take for instance, Rob (heart of my heart, washer of my dishes, blender of my margaritas). He is currently working a dismal job. His hours are long, his commute is an hour each way, his benefits are being cut and the company clearly cares very little about its employees. It affects his quality of life, my quality of life and our relationship. Recently both of us have vented about this to family and friends. To our surprise, their reactions weren't those of empathy or encouragement. Instead most people say something along the lines of "well, at least you have a job". When I have commented on how little teachers are paid or how I am stressed about the idea of having to find work after my temporary credential expires I have received the same type of responses.

This is dangerous thinking. Yes, we are in an economic recession. Yes, many people around us have lost their jobs and cannot find any work. Yes, it is fortunate to not be in that situation ourselves. But I think we are forgetting a few things. This recession is not an excuse to start expecting less out of the quality of our jobs. It is not a reason to stop expecting health insurance, or vacation or a comfortable work environment. The economy will improve eventually (with lots of work!), but then what will we be left with if we haven't held corporations and other businesses to a high enough standard when things were rough? The reason we have labor laws (not to mention weekends, maternity leave and worker's comp) is because people like us have been working for legislation and putting the pressure on employers to uphold those laws for many years. If we suddenly stop being vigilant in this we are doomed to regress.

When I do someday get a "grown-up" job (ie not nannying, or tempting or interning) I will look for an employer that values their employees' time and the contributions they make. But until then, I will say to the next publishing agency/website/weirdo hermit author looking for an assistant, "Use me! I'm yours for the taking!"