Determine how much mistreatment you are willing to take and whether the trade-off is worth it. How much are you learning? How many contacts are you making? Will this position lead you in the right direction or connect you to the right people? Not everyone in the entertainment industry abuses his/her employees. Long hours and demanding bosses are typical in the industry, but there are many bosses who don't abuse their employees. You don't have to work for someone who screams at you first thing in the morning. Find another job if you are feeling too much stress from the one you've got.

Remember the boss is a human being with hopes, dreams and personality quirks. Don't put your boss on a pedestal or view him as a superior being. Bosses are as flawed and vulnerable as anyone else, even if they don't act like it. Don't give your boss a chance to exert undue influence or power over you or destroy your dreams.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is a recruiter, hiring strategist, career coach and speaker, available for personal consultations and speaking engagements. She will give a course at the SIGGRAPH conference on Monday, Aug. 6 at 3:15 pm on "Resumes and Demo Reels: If Yours Don't Work, Neither Do You." If you are interested in her professional services as a career coach, speaker, or recruiter, contact her at PamRecruit@q.com.