A week a go I finished a 90 day internship in Times Square that was non-paying. That means I dragged my sorry... self... to Manhattan everyday, spending approximately $20 a day on NJ Transit, then walked 15 blocks just to get to the office (which normally wouldnt bother me but the temperature the past 3 months was unnaturally cold) AND it was during the holiday season so I dealt with more tourists than a travel agent (cause let's be honest everyone just books online these day. Can you say obsolete?). And that doesn't even cover the stuff I endured at the actual internship, which I will be sure to go into detail about at a later time.
Tonight was my second night as one of three Production Assistants for an Off-off-Broadway theater production, and foolishly enough I never asked about compensation before I took the job! So now I'm not sure if my travels to Hoboken to park my car and take the PATH train into NYC (averaging about $15 a day) is worth it. It's true I get out of the house and get to be in the East Village instead of New Providence, but I'm penniless. And yes, like the previous gig I do gain experience, but let me assure you, experience will not feed you or cover your rent (as my parents frequently like to remind me).
I found myself asking myself if I am a glutton for punishment or if the reason I am working and absorbing expenses for no pay is because I believe in karma.
Will the longer and harder I suffer now somehow be righted by the universe in the future with success? Why don't I take the hours I'm spending on these jobs and go and get a retail or waitressing job? Do I really think these jobs are going to get me somewhere in the future? Or am I kidding myself entirely? Maybe the reason I didn't ask about compensation for this job is because I've resigned myself to the fact that I will not be paid until I've done something remarkable to really deserve it.
Ironically, the temp job I had from July to October paid pretty well but was so mind-numbingly monotonous that a chimpanzee could do it. Plus, I had to field calls from all over the world from young teeny boppers looking for Justin Bieber, so I guess they have to pay you to deal with that.
So, am I an example of self-inflicted pain? Or an advocate for justice and a higher power?
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