I’ve been a freelancer for most of my life, which means, you don’t get an automatic paycheck at the end of the week.
Your money comes in, incrementally, hopefully on the honor system.
What does one do when that doesn’t happen?
Drink did you say?
Well, before you bury yourself in a wineglass, you need to make calls. To your agent, the producer, the payroll company or your bank, that if it was a direct deposit, might have made an error.
In the sophisticated, technological times we live in, it’s almost shocking when the slick and imperious world of cyber life makes a mistake.
We forget, machinery has flaws.
Just ask NASA.
I live on a financial tightrope, not unusual for a person in the arts. Therefore, every penny is crucial to arrive on time to pay one’s upkeep.
Besides the hassle of having to call, email, text, fax, to practically beg for what you’ve honestly earned, the rudeness on the other end you have to endure is legendary.
I worked, bringing my best self, what’s your problem, you discourteous, ill-mannered son-of-a-bitch?
I’m always amazed by the low-brow behavior of others who couldn’t care less they’re about to shut off your phone.
What’s the answer besides buying a gun to blow Miss, I Could Give a Shit’s, head off? I really don’t know.
I guess to persevere, try not to take another person’s bad attitude personally, remembering foremost, life’s too short to let it make you crazy. SB
There are businesses, whose entire profit margin, comes from paying their suppliers, long after they get paid by their customers. It’s an insidious practice, and many small businesses have gone to the wall, as a result. The sneaky sods know they’ve got you: if you sue or publicise, you never get used again, so there is no remedy available. Legislation is the answer, but guess who owns the legislators?
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This is very grim…I do like the expression…have gone to the wall, despite what it implies.
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I recall a former employer of mine, who made one of their drivers redundant, but encouraged him to set himself up as a one-man delivery company “man with van”. They had him running all over the country, at all hours of the day and night, then refused to pay him on time. He couldn’t afford the payments on his van, so he went bust. So he lost everything, including his redundancy money. They refused to accept any responsibility or even admit they’d done anything wrong. Evil, greedy bastards!
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I’m sure there are a million stories like this unfortunate fellow’s. We must think of brighter tales to tell, and that goes for me too since I brought up the topic.
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This story is why I could never work for a collection agency.
As for those bad attitudes I just want to ask “are you always a fuck or is it me?”
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Rudeness, it’s becoming epidemic.
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unfortunately, people no longer think manners or service is important. After a day’s work, you deserve a day’s pay… You arrive on time, ready to do your job, and do both well. The least they can do, after you have done your part is to pay you. Hope it got worked out… this is not fair!
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I’m a pro at getting paid, a honed skill if there ever was one. 🙂
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Good! Experience like this is a must!
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It’s just wrong.
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Yeah, I know, but as Don Corleone said, “This is the work we’ve chosen.”
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So frustrating, Susannah. But it’s been going on like that forever. Nothing new.
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So I’m told. It’s just wrong. If I owe someone a dime, like the grocer or dry cleaners, I pay them.
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Is it any wonder so many give up their scruples and enter into a life of crime in order to survive.
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