I’ve had my fair share of interesting experiences with interns, but this one? This one had me questioning everything.
A last-minute shoot came up. It wasn’t planned, but in this business, you don’t always get a perfect schedule—you roll with the punches, adapt, and show up.
So I called my intern.
No response.
Tried again. Busy.
Tried a third time. Still busy.
At first, I thought maybe he was on another call. But after about five attempts at different intervals, I started to get frustrated.
What was going on?
The shoot was happening with or without him, so we carried on. But in the back of my mind, I kept wondering—Where is this guy?
The next day, he finally showed up. No explanations, no apologies.
So I asked him:
“Why didn’t you pick up? And why didn’t you show up for work?”
He looked at me, completely unfazed, and said,
“Oh, my phone is always on DND. That’s why calls were showing as busy.”
Excuse me?
“Why is your phone always on DND?” I pressed.
“I have social anxiety. I prefer messages.”
At that moment, something clicked. It wasn’t just about missing a call. It was about basic communication and responsibility.
I get it—social anxiety is real. But this wasn’t a personal call; it was work. Clients were waiting. A team was working. And he wasn’t there.
I didn’t even send a message because, honestly, I expected my team to be reachable. But even if I had, imagine having to text an employee every single time just to get a response.
At that point, I had to make a decision.
I let him go.
Not because I don’t understand mental health. Not because I lack empathy. But because I also hate money anxiety.
You see, I run a business. And in business, money flows when things get done. If things don’t get done, money stops flowing. And when money stops flowing, problems start piling up. I can’t afford to be anxious about whether my team will answer when I need them.
This was my fifth intern. Fifth. And at this point, I had to ask myself:
Is this a Gen Z thing?
Or am I doing something wrong?
I’ve trained people for years. I know work ethic isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset. But lately, I’ve noticed a pattern. People want opportunities, but do they want the responsibility that comes with them?
So, I’m throwing this to you:
If you were in my shoes, would you have let him stay?
Note – One thing I’ve learned? Running a business isn’t just about talent. It’s about building a structure that works—one that keeps things running smoothly, ensures accountability, and allows you to scale without unnecessary stress.
That’s exactly what you will learn when you join the Profitable Creative Business Community.
If you’re ready to move from creative chaos to a structured, thriving business, this is for you. We’ll show you how to build a profitable business, create systems that work, and attract the right clients—without the constant anxiety.
Ready to build a business that works for you? Apply now.
