Low paying creative work in a toxic environment - Freelancer Spaeth Design Employee Review

Spaeth has a really nice atmosphere, your managers are always willing to work with you and it’s a great place to learn.

Because it’s a union shop, it’s challenging to break into full-time roles here.

The team has a strong work ethic, and many aspects of the operation run like a well-oiled machine. The people are of all different ages and are incredibly talented at what they do. The workspace itself is cool and inspiring, filled with artifacts from past projects that showcase the company’s history. Plus, the neighborhood is great, with plenty of affordable and authentic lunch options nearby.

My work test for a full-time position ended abruptly without any notice, and I never knew which day would be my last. I had to consistently take the initiative to keep communication going, which left me uncertain about the next steps. I was asked to take on a manager’s personal project with the implication that it would improve my chances for a full-time position after completing the initial work test. I agreed at a lower rate to get my foot in the door, but the scope of work expanded dramatically, and they refused to offer additional compensation. This is sketchy behavior, and I ultimately stepped away from that project. Accessing the restroom requires passing through the locker rooms, where locker room talk can make the environment uncomfortable, especially for LGBT employees.