Q: I recently moved to Brooklyn and just started my first business-type of job search after graduating with a degree in advertising. Brooklyn is "the" place to live now, so I'd rather not look for a job New York City. It's actually only 25-minute commute to the city, but it will be easier if I don't have to go that far for work.

I got an interview with a startup under two years old, and I thought, cool; this will be perfect. The manager described all the jobs as "all-around-do-everything" job since the company only had several people. My specific role would be to create a social media strategy with her guidance for the product they have to sell — they only one at this time, and then launch it. It sounded super exciting and a necessary part of the business. It is also exactly what I want in a job. I would then handle social media and get to see what it takes to run a business from the beginning. We talked a lot, and then she got around to talking about money.

The bottom line is that they couldn't pay me until they brought in more products to sell, even though they had to start selling this one. Her explanation didn't make sense, and when things sound confusing, it's usually because something isn't right about the situation. I felt there was something shady.

I thought, no way am I working for no pay. I want a job because I need money, and I'm not one of the owners who will reap the benefits at the end of the year. On the other hand, I would've had a chance to do social media, which is what I want to do. Was I too quick to turn it down? I can see where it might be a good opportunity in the long run, but I have to pay rent.

A: Your could have had an unpaid internship, which that company called a job, and you could have added it to your resume. But you sensed you weren't being told all the facts, so you did the right thing to turn it down. Time committed to one employer takes time away from your search to find the right employer.

Every company uses social media, but many do not use it wisely. You have chosen a good field; now you will have time to find a company that respects your ability to actively tweet and post the right information, photos, and quotes, and pays you for it.

Most companies, even startups, know they must pay employees for time worked, so the chances of running into another unprofessionally run company are small. You already know if you spread your job search into the city, you will extend your job opportunities exponentially. A 25-minute ride should be tolerable when you measure the reward of getting the job you want. Once you gain experience and can qualify as a social media expert, jobs and more favorable locations will open up to you.

Since this will be your first job in a business environment, be as open and amenable to locations. If you don't receive a solid offer in the next several months, look for volunteer social media jobs at non-profits. If you have to work for free, at least you'll be doing it for an organization that respects the labor laws and your time.

Email your questions to workplace expert LindseyNovak@yahoo.com and follow her on Twitter @TheLindseyNovak and Facebook at Lindsey.Novak.12. To find out more about Lindsey Novak, visit Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2016 CREATORS.COM