Fired & forgotten in the same week

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As if my company running out of money and asking me to continue work for them weren't enough, the only date I had planned this year skipped town back to college before I could get in touch. Now all I can do for two more weeks is build a server for no pay and hope some other friend starts talking to me again.

My life could be perfect if I could just afford rent and a few road trips, but apparently I can't write a résumé of that caliber. No idea what the f**k I'm going to do...

I knew this was going to be rough when I read the title.
That seriously sucks, man.
Stuff just seems to pile up like that, doesn't it?
Oh well, don't let it get you down too much.

Things will fall into place.
Believe me, they always do.

Why are you working for them for free?

I'm a software consultant, it pays to expand my repertoire anyway. I've been presented multiple financial ultimatums, mostly before charging for my work.

I am so sorry for you. Life can be a nightmare sometimes
Take care of yourself

For some people, it can be quite worthwhile.

Several years ago, an acquaintance of mine and I were in the same position with our respective employers. Both companies were in different industries and were both out of money and we were primarily being paid in stock.

I became one of the largest stockholders in my company, but that stock became worthless when the company filed for bankruptcy and was dissolved.

On the other hand, the company that my acquaintance worked for recovered and his stock became quite valuable within five or six years. He is now a multi-millionaire and is a very highly respected figure in much of the state.

I'm self trained and about half the age of my average employers. I can't even imagine owning stock, I'm used to tiny software development companies and low hourly wages.

While working for free can be beneficial it is important to not let it get out of hand. Remember, if a company is benefitting from your efforts, you should get something out of it. It is grossly unfair for a company to ask you to provide a valuable service to them while providing nothing in return. If you had a share in potential profits, that might be one thing, but if you are asked to help a company that doesn't bother to try to help you, then the company is a vampire, sucking your blood so it may live.

In my experience, if you work for free, people will see your effort as less valuable. After all, if you give it away for free, it can't be very valuable.

I hate any sort of conflict and so I have often avoided demanding payment for my work. I suspect this is fairly common behavior amongst autistic people. It leads to us being taken advantage of.

There have been some situations where I have stood my ground and it usually works better for me. While negotiating an hourly rate with a client, I quoted one price and he told me he knew someone else who did it cheaper. I replied, that's fine, but I charge more. We stuck with my price.

But when I have worked for free, the client has often asked for more and more. If the client isn't paying, why wouldn't he ask for more?

I understand that it can feel like a job that doesn't pay at least has the potential to turn into a paying job at some point so it can feel like a loss to walk away from it. There is also the problem that it is easier to get a new job if you currently have a job whereas it is hard to get a job if you are unemployed. So even if you plan on continuing to work for free, definitely start looking for your next job now.

I guess the key issue here is your self confidence. If the company asked you to stay and work for free, then they obviously want the benefit of your efforts. That means you have something valuable to offer. But if they don't want to pay for your efforts, then that shows them to be blood sucking parasites. Don't fall in the trap of thinking a couple of thank you's are payment. Remember that the owners of the business are paying themselves more because they can get away with not paying you at all.

Sorry to go off on this rant. I know your issues are deeper than simply your work situation, but it really annoys me when people take advantage of other people's lack of self confidence. You have value. Your work has value. I know it can be hard to recognize that, but clearly your employer can see the value they can get from you for free.

Good luck

Its good you can build a server, but sounds weird they aren't paying you. That is something one normally only does for friends and not in the working world. So perhaps you are being taken advantage of?

Don't let a resume stop you. Between online guides and/or books you should be able to make one. Keep it simple and pertinent to the job. Having someone good in English/Writing review and maybe edit it for you is a big plus.

'Dates' can be rather empheral and relationships can wait. Job is very basic important and should be primary focus.

I replied to my boss that this was billable work I would have charged for had it been requested when I was hired, saying he & the investor could decide on how to compensate my next timesheet. Yes, I can build servers, no, my work is not possible with inadequate correspondence. All my interests are in keeping my job if my boss can handle his deadline (the whole reason I was hired). I also told him I need paid work, so my resume is more important to me than unpaid troubleshooting. Everything I implemented was free software except my time.

I'm getting used to the ephemerality of a date but holding off in my relationship seems unfair & or reclusive to me. I'm referencing someone who did a lot to keep me sane...