And Mood Back Down Again

[ladysprite]

So it seems there's a 90+% chance that we're going to need a new water heater.

And that's going to cost somewhere north of $800.

And it means no hot water until tomorrow night at the earliest, in the best possible situation.

We really, really, really don't need this right now. I just had another paycheck bounce, this will empty out every penny we put into vacation savings and then some, and this is all hitting about 3 weeks before taxes are due, and that's always at least another 5-figure check I need to write.

And it means at least three days in a row with no hot shower. And I tried to do the ice-water shower thing this morning and nearly stopped breathing. Clients are going to just *love* me by the end of the day tomorrow.

Just once, I'd like to get some news and have it be good.....

Comments

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

The latter - it's a clinic dealing with a lot of their own problems, but that means they occasionally write more checks than they can cover....

[fractalgeek.livejournal.com]

Ouch - but at least the chances sound like you will get paid when they sort it out.

BTW, I have a book for you, but queenortart didn't get it packed before Intercon. We'll be over in the US again in a few weeks. Private-message me a physical address, and we will post it once we are over - something to look forward to!

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you - that's really sweet! I'll drop you a line...

I'd tell you you don't have to do this, but I'm pretty sure you already know that. Thank you. :)

[new-man.livejournal.com]

Stop working there.

You seem to be in enough demand that you can pick and choose a little bit. Having multiple checks bounce from the same place is more stress than you need.

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Ultimatum has been made.

Doubly so because of the situation - when I realized how much they owed me, I told them I would cancel all future dates unless they started steady payments. They wrote me a check, I scheduled more dates.

That would be the check that just bounced. Ultimatum has been given again today; if I cannot redeposit that check tomorrow and have it clear, there will be no future dates.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Well, it sounds like you're a vendor, not an employee, but do they need this kind of vendor frequently?

The rule of thumb I've heard is that, if there's ever a failure of payroll, the company is toast; the exceptions are so rare that you don't generally bother discussing them. In short, if an actual payroll check bounced, consider the company insolvent. Don't think "this might be one of the exceptions" unless you know - not think you know, but actually know - that they're not insolvent.

For vendors, it's a bit more complicated. Obviously, you always have to be careful about doing business with anyone who bounces checks. Businesses play fast and loose with payables all the time, trying to delay payment, claim late discounts, etc., unless they're flush. For a lot of businesses, holding on to money a few extra days is just part of the game. But an actual check, signed and put in your hands, should always be good. So, please, be careful dealing with these people.