She Strengthens

The Dark Side of Hollywood: Uncovering the Unspoken Realities of Assistant Life

Working in Hollywood can be a dream come true, but for many assistants, the reality is far from glamorous. Long hours, low pay, and mistreatment by bosses are just a few of the harsh truths that come with working in the entertainment industry.

The Long Hours and Low Pay

Assistants in Hollywood often work late into the night, with happy hour starting at 8 pm on a good day. While some may earn a decent salary, others are paid as little as $12 an hour. The disparity in pay and treatment can be staggering, with some assistants being treated poorly by their bosses, who may have experienced similar mistreatment themselves.

Horror Stories from the Front Lines

Seven assistants share their shocking stories of working in Hollywood, revealing a world of exploitation and mistreatment.

Fired Without Warning

One assistant discovered they were being replaced when they stumbled upon an email chain discussing their termination. Despite confronting their boss, they were given no warning and had to start looking for a new job immediately.

Janitorial Duties

Another assistant was tasked with collecting trash for an entire office, filling three dumpsters, and dragging them out onto the street every night. The physically demanding job left them with a newfound respect for janitors.

Emotional Abuse

A third assistant suffered emotional abuse at the hands of their boss, who would demean and belittle them to feel better about their own lack of success in the industry.

Lying to Clients

One assistant was forced to lie to clients about their boss’s whereabouts, only to be scolded in front of them for doing so.

Personal Errands

Another assistant was tasked with planning romantic getaways for their boss, a job duty that went far beyond their role.

Financial Red Flags

A sixth assistant was paid in untaxed checks and was eventually told they would only be paid monthly. When they questioned the arrangement, they were met with silence and eventually left without pay.

Overworked and Underappreciated

The final assistant shared a story of working 18-hour shifts with only a 6-hour break in between, only to be overworked and underappreciated.

These stories paint a stark picture of the realities of working as an assistant in Hollywood. While some may find success and fair treatment, others are left struggling to make ends meet and dealing with mistreatment by their bosses.