Free Work – Internship – Slave Labour?
Last week I wrote a blog post where I reflected on whether it is still possible, as a business owner, to take on interns. It sparked many reactions, exactly as I had hoped. It is always interesting to hear different perspectives, and we don’t have to agree to have a meaningful conversation.
I understand that some people have felt exploited. There are bad apples everywhere – among business owners as well as among employees or interns. This topic seems to touch a sensitive nerve, and even though I was called a slave driver more than once, I still want to reflect further on it.
I can understand how the media often amplifies stories about young girls being exploited for hard physical labour while the boss sits back and watches, and where everything has to be “white” and declared so the tax authorities are satisfied. At the same time, I have also had young men as interns – absolutely fantastic ones – but for some reason the conversation almost always focuses on the “poor girls”.
I am not trying to change the minds of those who have already decided what they think. I don’t want to, and I can’t. But I do find myself wondering about something else: when did it become normal to demand money as the very first thing, before having contributed anything at all? Have we never done something for free? Have we never felt that deep, wonderful feeling that comes from giving?
My own childhood and youth were very much about helping out. If you received something in return, you were deeply grateful. I spent all my free time at an animal shelter, helping out all day long – feeding the dogs, preparing their food, walking them, and cleaning out their kennels. It never once crossed my mind to ask for money. If someone had told me I should be paid, I would have thought they were completely out of their mind.
During summer holidays, I helped farmers clean out their stables. There was nothing more joyful than surprising the farmer when he came out and saw the stable already clean. And of course, you got to stroke the animals while you worked. No money there either – just a happiness that has stayed with me to this day.
My philosophy has always been: give before you take. I still live by that principle. When you go the extra mile for people, they remember you, and meaningful connections are created naturally.
Today, I run a podcast where I interview people from all over the world who have done something good for horses. I don’t earn a single penny from it. I have created a mini-course for riders with fear, completely free of charge. I write a blog here almost every Monday, free of charge, simply to inspire and engage you. I do these things because I want to – and because it makes my heart happy to help someone move forward.
Do I feel exploited? No. Because I choose this myself.
To those who call me a slave driver or a terrible person for having had interns: have you considered that the interns may also have gained something valuable? The feeling of being useful, seen, and needed. The opportunity to be around animals they might never otherwise have the chance to be close to. To meet like-minded people who share a passion for animals. Perhaps even to step away from unhealthy environments that could negatively shape their future. These values are invisible when everything is reduced to money.
The alternative, in some cases, is to stay at home, unemployed, blaming society for not wanting to hire you – while demanding to be paid before you have even shown who you are. I have never forced anyone to be an intern with me. Every single one chose to be there.
My children have been raised to help out and to support others when needed, without immediately holding out their hand. They are doing well in life, and I truly hope future generations will also see the value in helping others without expecting payment.
This is not slave labour. It is a choice. And that choice says something about the kind of person you choose to be.
