我应该零工资就业吗

 　　就业难成了困扰毕业生的大问题。为了能得到一份工作，有些同学甚至提出"零工资"就业。这种方法可取吗？事实上，美国的学生们也面临着同样的问题。

　　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. 这牵涉到法律和道德问题。

　　Were the company to take you up on your offer, in most cases the employer would be breaking the law. 除了为一些非盈利性的组织和政府机构工作，法律规定只要你工作，就应该得到报酬，而且报酬不应该低于最低薪资标准。

　　"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 thrift¹ store or a hospital gift shop). And if you're seeking to volunteer for a for-profit business, think again. You cannot waive² 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 (对中国学生也同样适用):

　　1. Volunteer for nonprofits to gain experience;

　　2. Agree to work for a lower wage for a probationary³ period (试用期);

　　3. Register with numerous temp agencies; or

　　4. Become active in trade, professional, or civic⁴ organizations and indicate your desire to work for the organization.

　　Your persistence⁵ will produce results, but don't allow companies to take advantage of you.

1 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。

2 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。

3 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。

4 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。

5 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。