> Is there some law that says you have to work for this company after you graduate? What's stopping you from getting a real IT job at a company that doesn't treat its employees like this?

This is an interesting conversation to watch, because a couple days ago, we had a similar conversation about your own job, and how you were saying you'd rather stick it out there because you enjoyed the work itself (such as it is) and only have complaints with how the company treats its employees. What's different between what you said then, and what Enigma's saying here? The "fair wage" part, I guess? Yet if, as you both acknowledge, money isn't the key to contentment, why would that tip the scales?

I'm playing devil's advocate here to understand where you're coming from, but if I actually had to pick a side here -- Enigma, I'd actually have to side with Dave. You know your own situation best, of course, and I can't second guess that, but I have a decent idea what kind of companies are out there to be a part of. Some of them are as bad or worse as your current situation, but there are so many with an appreciation and respect for their employees. I've worked for both kinds of companies before, and the difference is phenomenal: if you're getting appreciation and support from your company (which is partly shown by paying you a fair wage) the difference this has on one's contentment is amazing. Moreover, the impact other people's contentment has is amazing. Of course, if you're enjoying your present job, changing jobs is obviously a risk. I'm certain there are more fulfilling jobs out there, but there are certainly worse ones, too. Still, it's worth considering a look around, even if you only look casually, with the intention of taking a job only if it looks like a great thing.

Full disclosure: at present, I don't work for an employee-friendly company, either. But I love the job itself, and I'm being paid fairly (if only recently), and the particular people I work with and under have the respect and appreciation that the company as a whole does not, so I'm shielded from a lot of the turmoil. *shrug*