Hi there!

I found myself in a tricky situation working for a company where I created layouts using PSD. The design and layout were awful and the printers frequently made mistakes that I had to fix, which took up a lot of my time. Despite this, my salary was always delayed and I often received only half with the rest being paid at a later date.
In my last month, I was given only two projects to work on - one of which was very complex and resulted in the designer being fired. At the end of the month, I was told that I would only be paid for these two projects, even though it was not enough to cover my expenses.

To make matters worse, this was a project-by-project arrangement, so I was not paid for these projects either.
To add insult to injury, I was never officially employed and was not provided with breakfast as promised. However, I still have access to the sites that I created as well as passwords from admins.
Do you have any suggestions for what I can do in this situation? Thank you in advance for your advice!

It is highly recommended that you reach out to the prosecutor's office regardless of your official status, in the event that you have evidence to prove that you have worked for them. Doing so may even strengthen your case.
In past crises, there have been instances where individuals were paid under the table and then unfairly let go. However, by going through the legal system and proving their employment, many of these employees were able to win their cases in court.

Even though seeking advice from knowledgeable individuals such as designers, electronics engineers, sysads, etc. can be helpful, it is essential to obtain assistance from an experienced lawyer who specialized in cases related to employment law. Lawyers can provide the most comprehensive support and guidance to help ensure that your case is given the attention it deserves.

Behaving in such a manner is not indicative of an аdult's response. Instead of resorting to unbecoming behaviors, consider taking legal action like reporting the blockage of a resource or a possible scam. It's important to have actual proof such as personal correspondence, records of meetings with customers, or service cards that bear your name. If you do have substantial evidence, don't hesitate to seek help from the prosecutor's office. They will support you and hold responsible parties accountable, which is far more beneficial than simply paying off debts.

It's unfortunate that some individuals resort to immature responses when faced with challenges. However, it's important to maintain composure and handle situations responsibly. Seeking legal assistance is a viable option for resolving disputes effectively.

If the websites are hosted on your server, it's recommended to publish articles describing the situation. Keep in mind that if the domain owners decide to migrate to a different hosting provider, you won't have any control over the situation, but they may waste a lot of time doing so.

It's crucial to inform your employer that you intend to file a complaint with the prosecutor's office in accordance with Article 145 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. As someone who has dealt with such appeals and authorities before, I strongly recommend this course of action.

I've managed to recover my money from mobile operators by threatening to file a report with the prosecutor's office.

consider seeking advice from a labor law expert, providing them with information about your company, working conditions, promises made, etc. You can message me privately to obtain the lawyer's email address. While I cannot guarantee that the lawyer will be able to offer a solution, he or she can at least provide some guidance.

First, you may want to consider seeking legal advice from an employment attorney or labor rights organization in your country. They can provide guidance on your rights as a freelancer or contractor, as well as help you understand the options available to you.

In the meantime, it's important to gather evidence and dоcumentation of your work, such as contracts, emails, and any other written agreements. This evidence can be useful if you decide to pursue legal action or negotiate with the company for unpaid wages.

Regarding the access you still have to the sites and passwords, it's advisable to act responsibly and ethically. Unauthorized access to systems or data could lead to legal repercussions, so it's best to clarify the situation with the company or seek legal counsel on how to proceed.

In addition to seeking legal advice, here are a few more general suggestions you can consider in your situation:

1. Communicate with the company: Try reaching out to the relevant individuals at the company, such as HR or management, to raise your concerns about delayed payments and unpaid wages. Clearly explain the issues you've faced and request a resolution. Written communication via email can serve as evidence of your attempts to address the situation.

2. dоcument everything: Keep detailed records of all your work, including the time spent, tasks completed, and any communication related to your projects and payment. This dоcumentation will be helpful if you need to escalate the matter legally or negotiate for unpaid wages.

3. Pursue legal action: If the company continues to ignore your concerns and fails to pay you, it may be necessary to take legal action. This can involve filing a complaint with a labor board, small claims court, or seeking assistance from a lawyer to explore further legal remedies.

4. Network and seek new opportunities: While dealing with this difficult situation, it is essential to continue networking and searching for new job opportunities. Reach out to your professional contacts, update your portfolio, and consider freelancing platforms or job boards where you can market your skills and find new clients.

5. Join professional organizations or communities: Connect with other professionals in your field who may have experienced similar situations. They can provide support, advice, and guidance on how to navigate your specific industry or market.

6. Review your contracts and agreements: Go through any contracts, agreements, or terms of service you may have agreed upon with the company. Look for clauses related to payment terms, termination, or breach of contract. Understanding your rights and obligations as stated in these dоcuments can help inform your next steps.

7. Consider mediation or negotiation: If legal action seems too daunting or expensive, you might explore mediation or negotiation as an alternative. This involves engaging in a conversation facilitated by a neutral third party to reach a mutually acceptable resolution with the company.

8. Leave online reviews or report the company: If you feel comfortable doing so, consider leaving online reviews on platforms such as Glassdoor or Indeed. This can help raise awareness about the company's practices and potentially protect others from facing similar issues. You may also consider reporting the company to relevant local authorities or labor agencies, if applicable.