Lets try and be abstract about this to take away ego.
For instance, you have a dream job. You apply, and you get it. But wait, here is where they tell you that you will be actually getting an internship. Furthermore, it is unpaid, but its the closest you can get to it. You actually need the money (you do not have any side jobs), but you decide that it is worth the gamble in that in the long run you will be actually landing the paid position.
You start, then they tell you that you cannot tell people you actually work there. You need to sign an NDA that enforces confidentiality in what is going on. Also, you are not actually doing the dream job (lets say, Director of Human Resources). You are actually just a doorman of the office and you only get to greet employees as they walk in.
You ask them how long this internship lasts, and they give you a vague non-answer.
You work here for about 3 months with the promise that you will actually one day get paid and get to do the actual job you were promised. They keep stringing you along with stories that are suppose to make your heart sink. Stories about how the situation is daunting and they need your emotional support for all the employees.
You work even harder, hoping that they notice your efforts. Maybe, they will finally appreciate what I have done.
Another 3 months pass by, and you get told the same thing as 3 months ago. You withhold the same hope that you will actually get paid/the position you wanted.
How many more months do you spend at this company in hopes that they fulfill their promise?
the direct: