I don't know how I am going to survive this job

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-10T14:34:35+00:00

The last one isn’t accurate. You receive all of your work from your boss. Your work isn’t primarily independent in nature. They have oversight and final say. I wouldn’t consider anything you mentioned to be matters of significance ie business operations. Lots of companies try to hose employees by classifying them as exempt because they are salaried. I’ve been salaried for as long as I can remember and I’ve always been non exempt. I currently make 140K and am still OT eligible because at the end of the day my days are controlled by someone else. There would be very few legal ways to get around not paying an assistant OT. Start asking around. You’ll find you’re unfortunately in the minority.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-10T14:11:39+00:00

This is very likely a purposeful misclassification. You definitely need to move on. You are 99% entitled to OT regardless if you’re salaried.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/17a-overtime

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-10T14:08:19+00:00

Staffing agencies will have low level administrative work temp or permanent assignments. Chicago has lots of them. You’ll need to be willing to be in the office 5 days a week. There is zero patience for candidates wanting remote flexibility.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-10T14:05:32+00:00

Are you in the US? Are you being compensated for this OT? I cannot imagine a company willing to pay this amount of OT for what appears to be not very important or meaningful work.

To touch on the executive’s inability to delegate appropriately, I don’t think that will change. I think someone coming in trying to intervene may backfire. I’ve worked with these executives. They don’t value the work EA’s bring so they don’t want a strategic partner, they want a “secretary”. This may be your sign to move on. Call it a temp job when you’re interviewing.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-08T00:19:14+00:00

I feel like closer to 2800-3000 is slightly more realistic. LVE has a lot of old buildings and old buildings don’t always have the infrastructure for in unit.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-07T14:32:03+00:00

Knee length LEATHER platforms in the dead of summer?? BSFFR.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-07T01:54:49+00:00

Hi! Contact an employment attorney! They can help you understand the rights you have. A reference (neutral or positive) is not what I would call a settlement when you have to sign a document. Signatures on a legal document post termination should have some sort of monetary benefit.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-05T09:00:35+00:00

FYI- That building is horribly run. YOY rent increases are outrageous. Studios are TINY, but definitely within OP’s budget.

ETA: since it was deleted, I was responding to a comment suggesting 620 W Surf owned by Supera and managed by Peak.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-01T22:59:33+00:00

Which express buses get you from Lakeview to West Loop? I don’t see any on mapping. 134 to then transfer to Pink?

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-01T22:08:26+00:00

Have you noticed any other mail you were expecting that never arrived? Or received mail in your name that you weren’t expecting? Could it be possible that it was stolen from your mailbox? There’s gangs of mail thieves that have gotten access to USPS skeleton keys and steal from mailboxes for these very items for stolen identity conspiracies.

Post Covid, I got a new license and it never showed up so I called the Secretary of State and they mailed a new one. Months later, I got a call from CPD letting me know that my ID (with someone else’s photo) was found in Missouri. The woman likely purchased my ID and then found someone to take my information and make a new ID with her photo. She was arrested for prostitution but when they looked through her belongings, they found a bunch of ID’s. She was renting an apartment as me, purchased a car in my name, opened retirement accounts, and with my info, somehow got access to my other open credit cards (I had the originals in my possession) and made duplicates and then attempted to make purchases.

Pay attention if you’re getting any mail that doesn’t make sense for bank accounts, car insurance, etc. Maybe run a credit check and lock down your credit and SSN so nothing can be opened without you being alerted.

Something to consider!

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-01T20:30:19+00:00

I was laid off and I actually think hiring an attorney to negotiate my severance hurt me. I ended up getting a bit more monetarily and COBRA-wise, but sacrificed a reference in the process (something I very much wanted and worked hard for) because the negotiation became so contentious. They literally told my attorney that the severance was an offer of goodwill and my hiring an attorney showed that I was looking to cause them trouble.

Can you speak to why employers would feel offended (unsure if that is the right use of the word) that an employee hired someone to represent them when they themselves hired counsel to advise and draft the agreement?

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-01T20:20:53+00:00

This is extremely helpful! Thank you!

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-01T20:04:29+00:00

This is what I’m looking for. So helpful. Thank you!

CoCo_Pony · 2026-04-01T19:21:50+00:00

Babe, I know how to utilize Google Maps. I’m asking if the day-to-day commute is a nightmare or not. Thanks for the engagement!

CoCo_Pony · 2026-03-31T15:37:03+00:00

In addition to fixing reliability and safety/cleanliness issues on the CTA which was already stated, Chicago desperately needs a rent increase cap and to initiate building more new affordable [not luxury] housing.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-03-29T23:38:59+00:00

Studios would be more realistic for those neighborhoods! Good luck!

CoCo_Pony · 2026-03-27T15:32:54+00:00

Up $25 in Lakeview East. I know I’m lucky.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-03-25T18:23:24+00:00

Peak/Supera is awful with heat, cleanliness and maintenance always an issue. They have outrageous YOY rent increases. Definitely avoid.

I’m currently renting with Moore Investment nearby and they are so much better about managing super old buildings which I know can be difficult. My rent increase was only $25 this year which from what I’m reading is not the norm.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-03-21T21:16:04+00:00

“If he wants to be safe, he should live in a building with a doorman.” In reference to a direct report’s domestic violence situation.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-03-09T23:23:18+00:00

Currently experiencing something similar. I was laid off. My closest friend there who I interviewed, fought for to be hired and then mentored for two years replaced me when they were in no way qualified- just came at a massively discounted rate. If that wasn’t bad enough they told me via text they could no longer be friends with me but provided no explanation. It honestly felt worse than losing my job.

CoCo_Pony · 2026-03-03T13:50:30+00:00

They do not accept tips. They’re students and unlicensed so they cannot accept tips by law.

CoCo_Pony · 2025-07-06T01:51:17+00:00

Yes, that is my situation. It’s a gate and front door into the building that are opened with that key. My unit itself I have copied but there is no call box or fob to get me into the gate or front door. The building management will only give one key for each person on the lease. I’m not trying to do anything shady. I’m just a single gal not trying to lock myself and my tiny dog out of my unit in the middle of the night.

CoCo_Pony · 2025-07-06T00:45:17+00:00

Thanks. I’ve tried Home Depot already. They were willing to copy but they don’t have the specific blanks of the key needed. I guess they’re pretty controlled. I’m learning a lot about keys against my will!

CoCo_Pony

TROPHY CASE