Advice on my new Contract-to-Hire job straight out of college (part 2)
A month or so ago, I posted about my contract job as a Marketing Graphic Designer (a contract- to-hire position) 3 months after graduating college. The job description stated I will be creating newsletters, flyers, website visuals, catalogs, and some social media posts, being paid $4 under the rate for an entry-level designer. I knew they were hiring 2 of us, so I came in with an open mind since I wanted to build experience. We came into the job, and immediately there was no guidance, no training, no one spoke to each other, we were just thrown into it this job without an idea of what the company specifically does, who we’re targeting, what they currently do. The lead barely trained us or told us anything, just sent us links of other things to reference. The next week, our lead designer told us he was leaving, and told us I am now the go-to person for lead stuff and planning (that was news to me!) Also, I learned I am not only planning our marketing calendar for a job I’m still learning about, but I’m also expected to manage social media and plan that out, as well as make youtube/tiktok content. (this was not in the job description) I was also told on multiple occasions by the lead designer (before he left) and the boss himself that I was the pretty face they wanted on their social media platforms, and I assume that's probably why they hired me. The 3rd week in, the boss pulled me aside and wanted me to start doing lead things, however, did not mention anything about a pay raise, and I am also still under contract for 2 more months. I have only been here for 3 weeks at that point, a fresh graduate, so I genuinely did not know how to react properly other than saying ‘okay’. I was away for a week, and the following week, I came back to him telling me I'm going to interview someone for sales (a position I'm unfamiliar with at a job I'm still unfamiliar with) I asked if anyone was going to accompany me, and he responds with "no, you're a big girl now 😄 " (literally, with the smiley face) After the interview, I had a meeting with him one-on-one and mentioned that I've never interviewed, and he blamed me for not telling him, though he assumed I have done it because "everyone has." I also expressed concern for managing the social media, since that's not in my job description, and he responds with "well I thought you had experience in that." I told him that I did but that wasn't what I applied for. He then told me he wanted to hire another girl to have her run the social platforms with me, which was odd. I also expressed my concern for using AI for everything, and he responded that "I should get used to it since my job is the next to be taken by AI." He said he doesn't want us asking him questions in the long run and to figure it out ourselves, and if I do need guidance and questions, to go to a marketing agency. I told him I would consider it, and he hasn't mentioned any of it since- like it never happened. The company is heavy with AI, and all the graphics they use to market their products are mostly AI generated. The company is very AI heavy, and encourages us to learn how to create realistic images using AI to market their products and for designs.I do not like using AI more than I have to, maybe for some simple prompts, but not like this, and I mentioned that during my interview as well. They also use AI to copy brands designs, and just change the logo to avoid getting in trouble. I will use it as a resource, but the extent they use it for is abnormal for a designer and shocking to see how far they are willing to go with copying other brands. I am in a tricky situation, because I planned on giving my 2 weeks later this week, but, I also want the resume experience. The downside is, I'm losing skills by using AI for everything, no one talks to each other, there's no real deadlines, I'm not learning anything, and the boss is always yelling at someone. He stated that if I stay, the salary would be $50K, which is not a lot for everything he is having me do. I plan to fight for 60K as the role of lead designer & technically social media manager, but I don't know if I want to stay in a toxic environment like this. I am not looking for any backlash, I am just looking for advice. Thank you. Sorry this is so long lol. :)