WATCH OUT: Young Adults Face Exploitation in the Workforce.

Starting out in the workforce as a young adult can be tough. You’re eager to prove yourself, maybe even a little unsure of your rights, and often willing to take what you can get. Unfortunately, this combination makes many young workers easy targets for exploitation. If you're just starting out in your career, here's what you need to watch out for:

Unpaid Internships and Overtime: We’ve all heard the phrase "experience is priceless," but when you’re working long hours for free, it’s anything but. Many young adults are lured into unpaid internships or asked to stay late without pay, often under the assumption that they should be grateful for the “experience.” The reality is, no one should work for free, especially when it comes to putting in overtime that isn’t compensated.

Hold your employer accountable by letting them know you understand your rights. If they ask you to work for free or to work long hours overtime with no overtime pay, remind them (you shouldn't have to but do it anyways) of the law.

LAWS ON OVERTIME PAY: "The federal overtime provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Unless exempt, employees covered by the Act must receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek at a rate not less than time and one-half their regular rates of pay." - U.S. Department of Labor

Low Wages and Poor Benefits: Many young workers start at entry-level jobs with low pay and no benefits, but sometimes the exploitation goes beyond that. You might be asked to take on tasks that go beyond your job description but still get paid the same low wage. It's frustrating to work hard without seeing any increase in your paycheck or perks like health insurance or paid time off.

Lack of Job Security: If you’re jumping from temp job to temp job or relying on gig work, you know the uncertainty that comes with it. Many young adults find themselves in jobs without any guarantee of long-term employment, no benefits, and a constant feeling of being on edge. Not knowing if you'll have a job next week can be stressful and leave you feeling undervalued. Receiving threats from your employer that you will be fired for no offenses, even if it is at-will employment, is emotional manipulation and spreads insecurity.

Excessive Workloads: Trying to impress your boss is natural when you’re new to a job, but it’s easy to end up overwhelmed. Sometimes, young adults take on too much responsibility, thinking they have to prove themselves, but it’s a trap. Before you know it, you’re juggling way too many tasks without support, which can lead to burnout and even affect your health. Some employers might keep piling on work without offering any recognition or help.

Emotional Manipulation: Ever been told you should be “grateful for the opportunity”? Emotional manipulation like this can be a sneaky way to get you to accept poor working conditions. Employers may guilt-trip you into working longer hours or accepting mistreatment by convincing you that you need to prove yourself or that this is just part of "paying your dues." Don’t fall for it—your time and energy are valuable.

It’s important for young adults to know that they deserve fair treatment in the workplace. Understanding your rights, recognizing when you're being exploited, and speaking up is key to building a healthier, more balanced work life. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve—you’ve worked hard enough to earn it.

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST YOUR EMPLOYER: All workers in the US regardless of citizenship or working status are able to file complaints against their employers online, by phone, or in person at a regional DOL office through the Department of Labor.

Discrimination: Employers are not able to discriminate or to use discriminatory disciplinary practices based on: race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

EXAMPLES OF DISCRIMINATION & WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT: The Equal Opportunity Commission enforces federal laws that protects people from discrimination in the workplace. You can file a complaint of discrimination or learn more about what qualifies as discrimination on their website.

For more resources about protecting your rights as youth or young adults in the workplace visit: YouthRules.Gov