When I had the 'opportunity' to work as an Interior Designer at an unpaid internship in NYC for my second Co-op program at Drexel University - I declined. How was I to live? Were they nuts?
There were a few of us that turned down large NYC design firms that year and by doing so created a bit of a 'stink' in the Co-op Department.
Where do these companies get off? They want young blood working for them - flexible, creative minds to mine for ideas. Why shouldn't they pay them? They pay everyone else don't they?
I run a small, sole proprietor business. I have had young people working for me for 21 years and I always pay them. I say I - my husband is self employed as well and pays his 'kids' too. We consider them 'family', and many of them come back year after year until they have graduated from college and embark on their new career.
So what prompted this 'rant'?
I saw this post on UpWorthy , agreed 100% and wanted to spread the word. People deserve to get paid for their work. Even if they have no experience. Why don't these selfish employers turn their greediness around? Teach a young person some skills, while paying them, rather than stealing their 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week.
On the other end - if you do want to work somewhere - talk to other interns, make sure the company you want to work for is truly ethical. You deserve to get paid for your time, and when you do - learn something and give it your all!
So what did I end up doing after turning down a high powered Interior Design Firm in NYC? I got hired by an architectural firm just outside Philadelphia in Bala Cynwyd - Hamilton, Murphy, Garrison Architects. I worked there for my entire 6 month co-op and continued there part time through my senior year at Drexel. I thought I was worth something and they did too. Believe it or not - I got paid!
Have you had a similar experience? Share it with me in the comments below - I'd love to hear from you! Liz
There is a first time for everything. Ginna and I were separated the first time was when she was about 18 months old. I was going to be away for the weekend and had gotten her Godparents watch her. All through the first afternoon Kay kept watching her, waiting for her to realize that I wasn't around. Nothing. A stroll through the neighborhood. Nothing. Dinner came and went. Nothing. Bath time came. Off came the clothes, shoes, diaper. Into the tub she went. Uh Oh!
The lip began to quiver, and Kay thought 'here it comes'. The beginnings of tears, more quivering of the lip. Kay thought for sure she would hear Ginna cry "Mommy"!
What came crying out of this little girls mouth instead? "Shooooooes"!
After this whenever we would go shoe shopping - I would have to put her on the conveyor belt with the new pair on - because she wouldn't take them off.
It hasn't changed much - except she's too big to go on the conveyor belt now ;)
Last fall, at the Ladies Board Hospital Sale, I found these fabulous vintage gold sandals accented with framed tiles,(Signals by Beacon) for Ginna. I loved them and I knew she would too! She wore them with her toga for Homecoming week and ever since - I have thought of them as Goddess sandals.
I have silently coveted them since then - but I wear a smaller size, so borrowing them was a no go.
Then TaDa!! What did I find - but a similar pair - only in off white from StoriedVintage (http://www.etsy.com/shop/StoriedVintage2 ) on Etsy. Lorraine was wonderful to work with. I just got them today - and after I put them on, I did a happy dance.
Here we are with our 'matching shoes'. I have the hot pink toes and Ginna has the navy and gold toes (Drexel U. colors).
We will be separated longer this time - on Thursday I will be taking her off to Philadelphia and moving her into her dorm.
Wish me luck & no quivering lip or tears.
Maybe just a cheer of "SHOES"!
xo, Liz
