Pissed!
 

The last week of June I took a week off from my regular 925 to lead a summer camp for a local Community Arts School. At the end of the week, over the weekend, I taught my annual elective course for a summer high school program for students entering college (at a local university).

My commitment to the former has been in the books for two weeks (tomorrow).
My commitment to the latter for about a week and a half.

Currently I have not received payment from either organization.

Tonight...I am scheduled to perform for the talent show and closing ceremonies at the local university for the latter. I'm seriously considering pulling out of it. For a number of reasons:

1. Because my best friend, and local DJ, providing the entertainment this evening has been told he will be paid for his services TONIGHT. Mind you, tonight's performance is his lone obligation to the school and somehow they were able to ready a check for him...the same night. In my case I've been waiting 11 days.

2. Because tonight's performance at the university, where I'm concerned, is completely unpaid.

3. Because I lost out on an opportunity to do a PAID gig because of this commitment. I end up losing on all sides (financially).

As for the Community Arts School... I'm scheduled to lead another camp all of next week (which will require another week off from the 925). Supposedly, my check from the initial camp will be ready tomorrow, but the odds of me getting it before it goes out at the EOB are slim. I do have another day job. And they (the Arts school) seem unwilling to be flexible or to allow me to pick it up tomorrow morning. So again... I run the risk of beginning Monday's camp without having been paid for the last one.

I hate being this upset over money, but... It's kind of a big deal.
I have bills to pay, I need new tires, my refrigerator has shelves in it and I have about a quarter-tank of gas.
I'm not going to pull out of the camp, but I'm strongly considering going home and shaking my commitment to the university's program (I will at least call them and alert them).

My question to you is simple...
Would I be an asshole for doing so?

And let me just steal your thunder now...
"You're an asshole anyway." Wocka wocka!
Get on to the advice!

I hate when I have to pull out!

Wait, you volunteered right? Did you ask for money first and they said no?

Mr Wizard says - fulfill your obligations, only then can you expect others to fulfill their obligations.
Go calmly talk with the business office where you are waiting for payment and ask for the boss. Let him/her know your issues calmly.
Its the professional way to go, I know it sucks BUT a burnt bridge can burn again and again.

Absolutely not. These were both paid gigs.

It's hard for me to do that because I've already completed my obligation per our contract. Currently it's the university who needs to step up to the plate. I've spoken with the director of the program (one of my very good friends mind you) at least three times this week... And I keep hearing that the check is on its way. Unfortunately... The mail has run and my other partner who worked for the program did not receive his check. So I'm pretty certain I didn't either.

I see the way it was worded made it sound sort of like you volunteered. Well did you sign a contract saying that you would get paid right? I would perform and eventually you'll get paid.

Understood, you are at a threshold, herein lies the question, do you want to live without future business with this organization? If so then burn your bridge. This type of business (gigs) relies heavily on on word of mouth reputation. Don't ever forget that. Schools and big business are notorious for slow payment. They are basically small governments. A lot of checks and balances.

Be calm and believe in your fellow man, all will end well.

Mr Wizard

(Psst... that's when you quickly sneak it in the bunghole before a complaint can be registered.)

:D

Tuck a gun into the waistband of your denims and they'll take you a lot more seriously.

Tough call, as was mentioned before you'd be burning a bridge, but after being self-employed for 8 years I can certainly empathize with you. Not knowing when you're going to get paid is extremely agonizing.

This and cap one of them in the leg. I bet the find their wallet in record time after that!

Burned bridges are hard to use in the future.



I'm not thrilled that one of my clients called an hour ago, to tell me a project I had until NEXT friday to do, was really needing to be done by tomorrow. I haven't seen my kids today, have a meeting in 45 minutes.....but I'll come back, work until late, get up early and do my best to make their new deadline......because sometimes you have to be flexible in business. I am thrilled that their project is hourly....

Don't blow them off....honor YOUR committment, and ask them about it, and you'll probably be ahead in the long run.



They're probably only paying people who dress for the P&L district....

Please begin every single one of your posts with "Mr. Wizard says -" That'd be a cool shtick.

To be honest, 11 days doesn't seem like long to wait. Their business may take some time to process invoices, and your DJ buddy somehow negotiated getting in front of the line. Maybe next time you can negotiate that, but I wouldn't get huffy over 11 days.