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Why does everyone assume a stage means free labor? Got that one today again
A guy in a nice apron asked me to work a 10 hour shift on Saturday just to 'see if we vibe' and I found out the going rate for stages in Portland is literally nothing, not even a meal, so is that just the standard now or am I being too picky?
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murphy.abby1mo ago
Right, because nothing says "professional opportunity" like being treated as a free temp worker with a side of mystery meat. Honestly, the "see if we vibe" line is just a fancy way of saying "I need a dishie who's too polite to say no." Keep your standards, unpaid Saturday shifts are how kitchens weed out people with self-respect.
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ryantorres1mo agoTop Commenter
Three years of dishwashing taught me that unpaid trails are just a way to test how desperate you are, not how good you are. I remember showing up at 9am on a Sunday for a "stage" and didn't leave until 11pm with a free meal and a pat on the back, but no job offer. The whole "vibe check" thing is just code for seeing if you'll fold when they ask for more free work later. Good on you for calling it out, because too many people in this industry act like grime and exhaustion are some kind of badge of honor. You've got way more value than a Saturday shift that doesn't even cover your bus fare. Keep that self-respect, it's the only thing that pays off in the long run.
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