I worked for several people like this in high school. In fact all of the people I worked for in high school were like this. One example being having to clean hot outdoor bathrooms in mid July heat with a mean case of mono and a temperature of 103. Never mind being “allowed” to call in sick. It took many, many years to realize that work wasn’t supposed to be this way.

After being what I consider a very talented member of our industry for 15 years and having no career advancement whatsoever, I’ve been asking myself over the past couple years whether these experiences are to blame. Getting reamed out all the time seems to have had a lasting impact on my ability to take ownership, do the kinds of things you need to do to get ahead, etc.