mindpollution.org

After fighting back and forth with Wizard about a variety of issues for the last few weeks – all while job hunting and responding to 4-6 job openings each day – I think I’m finally getting close to closing that tumultuous chapter of my life. I was interviewed by Tom Spurgeon from The Comics Reporter about the experience of working at Wizard and being “let go.” You can read the interview by clicking here. I still have some unspent funds in various accounts with the company that I need to pester them about, but I think that’s the last of my battles. It’s very frustrating to think of all the people who probably don’t bother to go after their former employers for what they’re owed while they’re an employee or once they’re terminated. But if you read the interview (or even if you haven’t read it yet), that’s one of the biggest points I want to make to people: You don’t always have to take what you’re offered by employers and be silent. You can – and should – go after what you deserve – whether it’s an increase in salary or a severance agreement. And you should scream to anyone who will listen (including lawyers) when they’re not willing to give it to you.

I’m not going to lie, though. It’s a bitch to go back and forth with companies about this type of thing – especially when they’re accustomed to dealing with young, inexperienced employees who never think twice about the cards they’re dealt on the professional front. You have to do your research, call them on their nonsense, and then follow up, make threats and – this is very important – find people with some legal savvy to offer you advice. I can’t say it enough, folks – and I want to make sure that anyone who arrives here after reading that interview knows it, too: No employer should take advantage of you.