You'll get by in trying to convince yourself that the work is fulfilling because you're assisting foreign workers emigrate to the U.S. with a work visa, but it's worth saving yourself instead. You are likely reading this because you are interested in a temp-to-perm “Assistant Paralegal” position. The problem is, you will be paid $14/ hr. for that position. “Assistant Paralegal” not only is a terribly underpaid position in and of itself because it requires a bachelor’s degree, but you will be asked to complete tasks that you have little to no training in, work ridiculous hours, all while being under constant scrutiny from a management team who — as a result of their own poor training and other factors — have put you a difficult position to begin with. Moreover, the work that you will be asked to complete is almost the exact same work full-time permanent Paralegals are required to complete — yet you are getting paid far less than they are — all while being asked to complete laborious office tasks that you are assigned because they view you as less.
All of that being said, if you happen to make it through the dreadful “temporary” period and work your way into a “permanent” offer, the time and energy you have wasted throughout your months of hard work will not be reflected in your offered salary. There are benefits, but considering the burdensome work and low pay from the months prior, the salary is underwhelming (roughly $38,000) and I would advise that your time, energy, and dignity is better spent looking for a company that will actually value you.
My entire beef with my previous position with Fragomen in Chicago isn’t entirely in regard to the pay. My review focuses on the pay to show you that a couple of more weeks of unemployment — rather than thrusting yourself into a position because you want to make a positive impact and quickly get a job — is completely worth it. I promise. There are plenty of other jobs out there that allow one to make a positive impact on people’s lives yet fairly compensate you and more importantly will treat you the right way. While I was working there I was mentally defeated by the end of each day — it is not worth working for them.
I know that this review is long, and you have made it this far, I sincerely wish you good luck in your job search. I hope you’re able to find a position that makes you feel fulfilled.
