What are some of your worst experiences working in the entertainment industry?

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I literally just started but I can already say the pay for entry level workers is atrocious. Also if you work with talent (or are talent) you’ll meet some incredibly entitled people who will ruin your day. It’s always the people who are trying to “make it” too; big celebrities are generally quite nice (because they’re rich and don’t have to worry I presume). Also there’s still so much racism and sexism. I love entertainment and I wouldn’t work anywhere else because it’s such a special field but I’m still working for more change and I hope others will work for it too.

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It really is atrocious. You would think we would make way more than we do.

The worst was my first job out of college for Rawkus Records. It was such a thrill being among so much talent and I was wide eyed and working for literally almost every department, even though my main gig was assistant to CFO, but I was eventually hired as a consultant for a giant merger between MCA, their previous parent, and Universal. Needless to say when my spectacular work was completed, universal wouldn’t hire me because I was a “conflict of interest” even though I still wound up working for Treasury in Ad Sales for NBC for a year or so before I got bored of that, but I still dream of working in the music industry again.

Calling the wrong person for an advertisement contract. Worst experience ever.

I was a PA in the Art Department for a show. It was Monday morning and when I walked in to the office my entire work desk was moved and and put my valuables in a pile in the middle of the office because my Art Directors wanted the office that I shared with my coworker who was also a PA. Had they asked me to come in early to move my stuff out I would have. It was so rude and uncalled for.

I was an intern for a huge regional festival in the area and every day the director of bookings/operations would rank his staff (and sometimes artists). Since I was the intern (unpaid btw), it was always the smallest mistake that put me in last place every day. I would not recommend this as a way to build team morale on a multi-day festival with hundreds of acts

My first job was my worst! My seniors were rude! Not to mention the nitpicking and the micromanaging. Ugh!! I was just so glad I was able to leave that place.

That would be working with artists/bands that feel like they are already big but in reality they really aren't. They live in this fantasy world where they are the stars and treat everyone they work with like their subordinates. It's honestly disgusting.

Generally most work that PAs have to do. I PA’d at a post house in NY that saw decent traffic. When the big names came in we’d have to make a big spectacle of lunch orders and procuring things they needed.

I remember having to pick up a B&H order. No one told me what it was. I get there — it’s a freaking printer. I took the subway to get there, and I didn’t bring the company card since it was preordered, so I couldn’t take a taxi. So I had to lug this huge printer up and down to the subway, and when I hit my stop I had to call one of the other PAs to come help me walk it the couple block back to the building. Rough goings.

There are many other weird stories of picking up/dropping off packages all over the city. Making a bunch of fruit/cheese platters for clients. Doing grocery/general shopping for our supplies. Picking up drycleaning (that one I only did once or twice, because, really?). You get humbled really quickly at the bottom rung.

The rudeness of the people here are a big factor why I want to run away from this industry. Some people think they can buy off anyone. Respect is rarely seen.

Being belittled, shouted at, basically absorbing everybody's anger. This is a tough industry.

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