Is it normal not to be paid after 7 months of animation work?
I have been working in a tiny animation company with just one other person, my boss, (let's call him Eric), without a contract for the last 7 months. We have a couple of projects on the go, and have never really finished anything that I worked on. The job I do is pretty highly skilled; I am 18 and have been doing animation as a hobby for about 8 years, so am pretty experienced, although I do learn a lot on the job. He recently bought some new equipment for the office, presumably funded by stuff either he or I worked on. He has not paid me a penny, despite saying regularly that he'll "try to get [me] some cash". It's hard to know whether he views me as a business partner, a prospective employee that when he has enough money he'll reward hansomely, or just someone who can provide him free labour indefinitely.
However I do need some money, for uni next year (Eric has expressed negative views on me going, but I reckon it's important), and holidays, recreation etc. Also I don't feel that all my hard work (from 8 till 6, 5 days a week) should go unrewarded financially, as well as creating a project that will be impressive to show future employers. So I could be spending the time I am working for him doing something more lucrative, but I don't really want to leave the project unfinished, as that will make the last 7 months a waste of time.
Basically, I'm a bit confused. Anyone care to offer any opinions or advice? Thanks a lot.