Complaints about pay day being next week
For those contractors amongst you that are being subjected to permies complaining about being skint, I have a suggestion.
Normally it is about now in the month that they complain "Why is there so much month left when the money has run out?"
Since this is January, things are much worse for them. This week will probably be the week they complain most bitterly: they are back at work, cold, tired, in need of a holiday and the credit card statements are coming in.
Traditionally, one would just be flicking through holiday brochures and noisily booking a ski-ing holiday on the mobile in the office to annoy them.
BUT - this is a leap year
On Friday 29th February 2008, the permies have to work. And they get the same pay as they do in non-leap year Februaries.
They have to work 29th February for no pay.
(I am aware there are logical arguments that try to refute this but they are cold and humourless and best disregarded.)
I heard civil servants complain of this bitterly in 1996 and 2004. Make sure your permies know it too this year. May I suggest:
"Excuse me, but it could be worse. At least you get paid a full month's pay this month. Next month you have that extra unpaid day as well. Since I'm a contractor I get paid for it so I'm OK - but you won't."
Then scarper, sharpish.
This opportunity only occurs for a month, one year in four, and for 2/7ths of those it falls on a weekend, so don't waste it. Enjoy the new year, it's a special one with an extra day's pay just for contractors.
Normally it is about now in the month that they complain "Why is there so much month left when the money has run out?"
Since this is January, things are much worse for them. This week will probably be the week they complain most bitterly: they are back at work, cold, tired, in need of a holiday and the credit card statements are coming in.
Traditionally, one would just be flicking through holiday brochures and noisily booking a ski-ing holiday on the mobile in the office to annoy them.
BUT - this is a leap year
On Friday 29th February 2008, the permies have to work. And they get the same pay as they do in non-leap year Februaries.
They have to work 29th February for no pay.
(I am aware there are logical arguments that try to refute this but they are cold and humourless and best disregarded.)
I heard civil servants complain of this bitterly in 1996 and 2004. Make sure your permies know it too this year. May I suggest:
"Excuse me, but it could be worse. At least you get paid a full month's pay this month. Next month you have that extra unpaid day as well. Since I'm a contractor I get paid for it so I'm OK - but you won't."
Then scarper, sharpish.
This opportunity only occurs for a month, one year in four, and for 2/7ths of those it falls on a weekend, so don't waste it. Enjoy the new year, it's a special one with an extra day's pay just for contractors.
as I've no income coming in until mid Feb. Because my client paid my December invoice before the end of last year 
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