Payroll bouncing and other issues

**nodmicks** · 02-04-2011, 07:42 AM

I've worked part time for the same small business for 14 years. I have seen her go through a rough patch before for a short time. In the last few months we don't have the retail to sell, things we need to do our job and are getting many collection calls. I answered 11 just myself yesterday in 5 hours. She also is saying specialty orders that customers put a deposit down on are back ordered. One of the staff checked and nothing is ordered. The staff member ordered it herself for the client.

The biggie is one of the staff just found out her last paycheck bounced 2 days ago and we get paid again tomorrow. Of course we are all worried now!!!!

Every time we try to talk to our owner about what is going on she says it is just a mistake etc. We all love our owner. If she told us what is honestly going on all 9 of us would be willing to help her sort things out if we could. However since the owner is keeping everything mum and acting like we are dumb and don't see what is going on I need to prepare!

I don't make tons as I only work 12-15 hours a week but it for sure adds up and this $ is in the budget. I need to do some major tweaking if it is not there until dh picks up at work.

My options are save as much as possible and if the final shoe drops:

~go do my job in another shop about 1/2 mile away if they can make room

~ go back to school

~ do a completely different job if one can be found.

Even fast food jobs are being fought for with in a 30 mile radius of our area so 1st priority is save!!!!

So am I off base or does this sound like a sinking ship?

**Russ** · 02-04-2011, 07:44 AM

Put on a life jacket and start looking. And I mean make it your part time job to find a new job.

**nodmicks** · 02-04-2011, 08:04 AM

Ok Russ sees the sinking ship I do! I plan to talk to the closest shop. A big move in the biz can result in lost clients. Last time 14 years ago I moved 1/2 a block! We do have the FFEF but not as long of a FFEF as I like.

One of the staff a former business owner said if the doors close we do have the option of some school through a state fund.

**Russ** · 02-04-2011, 08:08 AM

I would not wait for the boat to start filling with water to make this move...

~go do my job in another shop about 1/2 mile away if they can make room

**Darlene** · 02-04-2011, 08:23 AM

I agree with Russ. You've tried to get the owner to open up but she won't so now you have to do what's in your best interest & that is find yourself a new job. Good luck & sorry this is happening.

**Greebo** · 02-04-2011, 08:24 AM

GTFO - if the payroll is bouncing and the owner is just calling it a MISTAKE - that means she's losing control fast.

I had that happen once when I was only 19 - I didn't wait around - ONE bounced check, though quickly rectified, was enough for me to leave. 2 months later their doors were closed.

**nodmicks** · 02-04-2011, 08:25 AM

Thanks! We are going to try to force a meeting on her this afternoon but I'n not holding my breath. I need to cover my bases!

**MaryCarney** · 02-04-2011, 08:31 AM

Don't share this with anyone but I agree with Russ AND Greebo (hangs head in shame).
This happened to DH years ago - same result, business went under with the owner owing us several paychecks. To his credit- he eventually made it right by doing a moderate sized remodeling project for us.
Your boss is most likely not an evil person, just doesn't know how to escape the mess she's made.
Start looking today.

**nodmicks** · 02-04-2011, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Greebo

GTFO - if the payroll is bouncing and the owner is just calling it a MISTAKE - that means she's losing control fast.

I had that happen once when I was only 19 - I didn't wait around - ONE bounced check, though quickly rectified, was enough for me to leave. 2 months later their doors were closed.

That is not going to shock me if it happens! Thankfully since I am fully commission based with clients it is pretty easy to hop to a new salon. They just need to make space for you the hours you work. It is pretty much a win for a salon to take a stylist with full clients for the hours worked since they get a 40% profit, pay no bennies. Though they pay the taxes etc. I'm not really worried about not getting a spot so much as trying to decide if this might be an opportunity to change careers .

LOL I don't really know what I'm getting at. I might be mourning such a great place with every coworker being a terrific friend possibly coming to an end.

Thanks for letting me ramble!

**Greebo** · 02-04-2011, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

Don't share this with anyone but I agree with Russ AND Greebo (hangs head in shame).

Quoted to prevent future denials!!!

**Russ** · 02-04-2011, 08:40 AM

good job Greebo.

**nodmicks** · 02-04-2011, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

Don't share this with anyone but I agree with Russ AND Greebo (hangs head in shame).
This happened to DH years ago - same result, business went under with the owner owing us several paychecks. To his credit- he eventually made it right by doing a moderate sized remodeling project for us.
Your boss is most likely not an evil person, just doesn't know how to escape the mess she's made.
Start looking today.

I'm glad it got made right. My boss is honestly a terrific person 99% of the time. The business has been open 25 years so that makes it sad.

**bumplett** · 02-04-2011, 12:26 PM

sad.

but if she's having a hard time covering payroll, and there are 9 of you, why not let someone go?

I wonder if she is just as attached to you guys as you are to her?

**Ramona** · 02-04-2011, 01:39 PM

Unless she wins the lottery, you are all passengers on the Titanic. Save yourselves!

**frugalfriend** · 02-04-2011, 02:41 PM

You are smart to prepare and weigh your options. Maybe this IS the time to go back to school or make a career change if that is what you really want to do, and financially you can swing it. Hate to say it, (because I know they are your friends) but if you really do need to continue working, I would get over to that other salon before all your co-workers do and there may not be space left? Wishing you the best in your decision and let us know how it goes.