My husband’s boss helped me get my current main job by recommending me, and I’m grateful for that.
A few months ago, he asked if I’d join the management of a sports team he’s involved with. The role requires me to attend practices and games, about 20+ hours a week. We agreed on a monthly paycheck, so I accepted.
I’m about to enter my fourth month with the team. I’ve only been paid once. Apparently, the team is poorly managed and no one is getting paid because there’s no money. Most of the people there are volunteering “for the love of the sport.”
I feel like my time is being taken advantage of. I’m considering quitting or at least talking to him about the fact that I’m not receiving the pay we agreed on.
My husband insists I shouldn’t say anything because his boss helped me in the past. He thinks bringing it up or quitting would make me look ungrateful.
I don’t expect special treatment. I just expect to be paid for the work I was offered. I didn’t agree to volunteer 20+ hours weekly.
Am I wrong for wanting to quit or for bringing up the unpaid work?
NTA. You agreed to a paid role, not 20+ hours a week of unpaid volunteer work. Gratitude doesn’t mean you owe someone endless free labour, and it definitely doesn’t mean you have to let yourself be taken advantage of. You can appreciate what he did for you and still draw boundaries. A simple, respectful conversation about the missing pay is completely reasonable. If they can’t pay you, then stepping away is the right thing for your own well-being. You are not being ungrateful… you are asking for the basic fairness you were promised. Good luck!