我可以无偿工作吗?

 　　"Despite how hard I try, I have been unable to land a new job. I have been thinking about volunteering to work for a company for free for 30 days so they can see how I perform. Hopefully they will then hire me. Do you think this is a good idea?"

　　M.T., Pittsburgh, Pa.

　　While the idea of volunteering to work for a company for free to get your foot in the door sounds good in theory, in reality, it is simply a bad idea. There are overwhelming legal and ethical¹ issues.

　　Paula Brantner, program director for Workplace Fairness provides some great insight into this issue: "Were the company to take you up on your offer, in most cases the employer would be breaking the law. While there are specific exceptions for those volunteering for private nonprofit and governmental organizations, the law requires that if you work, you get paid at least minimum wage ($5.15/hr. under federal law and higher in some states).

　　"Even nonprofit and governmental organizations using volunteers cannot assign them to tasks similar to work customarily performed by employees. Volunteers cannot be involved in the nonprofit's work that is a commercial enterprise competing with other businesses (such as a church thrift² store or a hospital gift shop). And if you're seeking to volunteer for a for-profit business, think again. You cannot waive³ the right to receive the minimum wage for the work you do; otherwise, employers could routinely exploit desperate employees by asking them to waive all or part of their wages. A reputable company is not going to risk legal liability by hiring "volunteers" - not when you could later sue them for back wages and penalties covering the hours you worked. However, as state laws vary, you should consult with a local attorney regarding the idea of working for free."

　　Rather than "working for free," here are a few other ideas to get your foot in the door:

　　1. Volunteer for nonprofits to gain experience;

　　2. Agree to work for a lower wage for a probationary⁴ period;

　　3. Register with numerous temp agencies; or

　　4. Become active in trade, professional, or civic⁵ organizations and indicate your desire to work for the organization.

　　Your persistence⁶ will produce results, but don't allow companies to take advantage of you.

　　Don Straits

1 ethical   

adj.伦理的，道德的，合乎道德的

参考例句：

• It is necessary to get the youth to have a high ethical concept.必须使青年具有高度的道德观念。
• It was a debate which aroused fervent ethical arguments.那是一场引发强烈的伦理道德争论的辩论。

2 thrift   

adj.节约，节俭；n.节俭，节约

参考例句：

• He has the virtues of thrift and hard work.他具备节俭和勤奋的美德。
• His thrift and industry speak well for his future.他的节俭和勤勉预示着他美好的未来。

3 waive   

vt.放弃，不坚持(规定、要求、权力等)

参考例句：

• I'll record to our habitat office waive our claim immediately.我立即写信给咱们的总公司提出放弃索赔。
• In view of the unusual circumstances,they agree to waive their requirement.鉴于特殊情况，他们同意放弃他们的要求。

4 probationary   

试用的，缓刑的

参考例句：

• After a six-month probationary period, she was confirmed in her post. 经过六个月的试用期之后，她获准正式任该职。
• After a three-month probationary period, she was confirmed in her post. 经过三个月的试用期后，她获准正式任职。

5 civic   

adj.城市的，都市的，市民的，公民的

参考例句：

• I feel it is my civic duty to vote.我认为投票选举是我作为公民的义务。
• The civic leaders helped to forward the project.市政府领导者协助促进工程的进展。

6 persistence   

n.坚持，持续，存留

参考例句：

• The persistence of a cough in his daughter puzzled him.他女儿持续的咳嗽把他难住了。
• He achieved success through dogged persistence.他靠着坚持不懈取得了成功。