Hi,

Hi,

It's so ironic that I can so easily advise other women on work problems, but now that I find myself mired in a nightmare situation, I keep telling myself to hang in there. Why? Because it took me 2 1/2 years to find a job. It's a fun job (mostly) as a leasing agent for the apartment complex I live at. I was told it would be 24 hours per week. Because I am a freelance writer, I thought it would be a great way to supplement my inconsistent, unpredictable income. Here is what has happened, so far.

I started last Monday, and worked (trained) for only a few hours, but missed my lunch. Tuesday, I was asked if I could work noon - 3. It turned out to be only noon to 1:30, but since my assigned iPhone came in, had to be available via phone until about 9 per night. The rest of the week, I got trained regarding the buildings, the apartments, etc., for just a few hours, but had to take calls and set up appts and KEEP those appointments. I asked my boss for specific hours (I phrased it as, "I want to know your expectations of me"), but got a vague response. Long story short, I am facing working 8 days in a row without a single day off. I am exhausted and weepy. I should have tracked my hours--I know--dumb. But by the way I feel, I know I have worked 40+ hours. Their claim is, once the "busy season" is past, things will slow down and I will be paid (for 24 hours) to just chill and do practically nothing. Well, as a new person, I have to get an office organized, answer a backlog of email inquiries, etc. I work hard (because I have a strong work ethic), but I don't see a possibility of making any kind of money. The prospects are the dregs and I'll never see a commission. I just see a total waste of time and a methodical trashing of what used to be my LIFE. What makes me angriest, is, they never told me I'd be working DAYS IN A ROW up front. They never stipulated that it is required to kill yourself until all the spaces are rented and THEN you get to live.

One of the managers said if I can just "hang in there for two weeks" I will soon be bored and peaceful. I am a cancer survivor and don't want to put myself in jeopardy of getting it again. I KNOW a previous job caused it. That's my bottom line.

My plan is to say I need a DAY OFF--like tomorrow. If they resist, that's IT. I'm DONE.

Any thoughts? Thanks, ladies. I really appreciate it!