Xmas Bonus Update!

Hey dude. Our company is making tons and tons and tons of cash. They handed out bonuses of $300,000 for the year. Yet I didn't get anything? I'm sure they had to "cut salaries and bonuses" to hire me. Even the "accounts payable" person got $2500! Such is the life of a bookkeeper!

People in power say that all the time. You know, those on the "other side of the line." The ones receiving the bonuses are the ones who say "it's not your business what others make." So take your nothing and just be happy you're not on the street! Bwhahahahaha.

Actually, I find it funny you say I didn't receive a bonus because of my attitude problem and misdirected anger at my coworkers. Because the truth is I get along with everybody at work and I did everything my "manager" asked me to do, fixing thousands of dollars of mistakes. It's her that is cold to me.

And when you "do" what you're asked to "do," and others are compensated greatly for the success of the company, while the "do-er" is not, that's going to leave a bad taste in your mouth. The kind of taste that "Angrie woman" is used to tasting.

As I said it's hilarious that my manager tried to hide it from me, by telling me there were too many "extra" things in the pay that week so she'll compile the information. But, being lazy and stupid as she is, she again gave it to me to enter. You could even tell she was embarrassed and worried about it. Thousands upon thousands of bonuses. When I got to my information, there was nothing there. Even the person who shares my office, who started in November, got something. Enough for a couple of value meals.

Then that begs the question and an ethical dilemma. What to do? Was it ethically wrong not to receive anything? Should I be upset, or just ignore it and work hard for the good of the company? So, after careful consideration and I decided to put the money issue aside and ask for clarification in a professional, direct way.

Was it my performance? Is she not happy with my work? Is it company policy? Or was it a mistake? At that point, all I wanted was an explanation to know where I stand and what to expect in the future. Because generally, you want to work for a company who has the same high sense of values as you do. But sadly, my manager decided to delay and delay answering my question, thus in fact making the situation worse. But... she expected me to focus on the December close because the auditors are coming in. So she values my work, that I can fix things and make problems for her go away, but she does not value what I need answered.

So, who's fault is it now? I'm the "bad one" for looking at the situation for what it is and requesting a clarification? Bullshit. Or is she the bad one for not fighting for me to get anything, then trying to hide it, and then not dealing with it when I have a question? To me, that's bad management. When she needs something, like the cash account rec'd so we're not off thousands of dollars like we were for the past two years, I'm there. Immediately to her office, working hard to find these issues. But, when I need something, she's not there. I refuse to feel bad or in the wrong for my "attitude" about it. It's reality. Anyone would, unless they're on the other side of it, getting the bonuses and actually in power.

In the end, those things tell me the company (well, my manager) is not worth working for, so of course I'm going to look for another job and leave them at some point. It's also funny that most of you professionals actually stick up for that kind of practice. It explains why things like Enron happen, actually, and also why our profession is looked own upon. A bunch of people in power who misuse their power, lying, doing anything for the extra buck for themselves, while ignoring and ripping off subordinates.

The truth is that CEOs and CFOs are all overpaid, Managers overpaid and untrustworthy. Bitter lower level employees who work like dogs for nickels and dimes and all underpaid. I see it all. Theres definitely a lot of animosity between these levels.

A person who's worked for the company for 9 years got an $80 bonus. But she's a low level employee, you know. So it's "right." Making life easier for her manager, who gets to reap the rewards of salary and bonus. Like the company's success is all because of "management." That's sad. The best advice i'd give someone is to get into management or tier 2/3, so you can manage, do absolutely nothing, and reap the rewards of others who work for you. It's all too clear.

But thank you all for your "advice," which is the typical advice people in power give people who are not... just shut up and be happy you're not on the street. Well, f*ck you.

"Me" wrote

Then if you are so unhappy there - leave. Just don't go back on Monday. That'll show them not to mess with you and your bonus again.

Actually, that was a typo. I meant to say "I'm not trying to say I'm better than you."

I'm saying I trained with an international firm of accountants and now I have my own small accounting practice with hundreds of clients.

Rather than try to be derogatory you should consider how much someone learns in an accounting department of a business compared to a firm of accountants.

I didn't and I bet I earn more than you and your husband put together. I also choose my clients and don't have a boss.

"Me" wrote

Then it's time for you to pack it in. Quit.

And yet, you don't know what she was doing now. She could have had to gross up the W-2 for excess life insurance, personal use of company cars, etc. You do realize there are other things that go on the W-2 besides wages.

Yeah, that'll get you in a lot of other employers doors.

Was there any logic behind that comment or do you just make an habit of throwing out insults while hiding behind a computer with a free email address?

I don't think you are understanding. I've seen the office politics, etc. when I was younger. I've now got my own business and don't have to get involved in any office politics and cannot imagine working for anyone like you appear to do.

Subtle hint? The manager sounds like a coward. If I didn't reward someone because they were bad at their job I would tell them.

Managers who have no ability and are cowards are always supported by other people who have no ability and are cowards.

Heh - I've been called a brown-noser lots of times! Sometimes it's true, I guess. I always, at least in front of other people, support my superiors and their decisions. If it's a decision I find to be exceptionally stupid, at least I keep my mouth shut. I don't think of myself as a true brown noser, because I will, on occasion, express displeasure to my boss. I just don't do it in public.

I've also been in the position of having to deliver the edict-of-the-month from above, knowing full well it's BS but protocol demanded I pretend it's a good thing for all of us.

I learned early on, and not even the hard way, that having a hostile relationship with a superior is not the way to advance a career path. If I can make my boss look good, I do it!

There's possibly a million reasons that the bonus wasn't issued. She said her salary was quite generous - maybe the bonus committee is ticked at her boss for hiring somebody in at such a level, and refused the reqeust.

So, if the boss says "I tried but they wouldn't let me," she looks weak and also at odds with her superiors. She can't say she hasn't been here long enough, because a colleague with less tenure got a bonus. Boss is not stupid enough not to realize that Employee doesn't know that.

British guy is right - if you own your own business you can cut out a lot of those things from your life. But you add a bunch of different things. DH & I owned a business for a little while, and I never want to work that hard again. I'm grateful that people like Paul and Peter do enjoy that challenge, because it gives people like me a happy little place to go daily, even if I might occasionally get pissed about a decision they make.

No, it's just you.

Mouth like a sailor, too?

Yes, everybody who gets bonuses performs oral sex. We have wild oral sex parties in the conference rooms every night during the week between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

You weren't invited.

Perhaps Peter would like to get your resume? This is a form of networking, you know! Wouldn't it be cool to get offered a job in London?

You probably do, and I am happy for you. And like I said in my other post, I'm happy that there are people like you who thrive and prosper on the stresses of running a business. Tried it once, and you couldn't pay me enough for that again. I prefer the comfort of a 9-5 job, with a

401-k and benefit package. We settled for less money, less stress and more free time. Different strokes.

I actually found having employees being a bigger hassle than having a boss. Not all of them of course!

And nothing more. That's the career tip I'm trying to give her.

That's great. I just dislike people who complain and do nothing about their situation.

I am still young and I am taking classes. Plenty of time to become a leader.

I am curious. What do you think your manager would write about you if she were participating in this discussion? Why do you think you did not receive a bonus while everyone else did?

We are only hearing one side of the story.

How do you feel brown nosing because i don't think it's your natural attitude.

So your statements will have no credibility.

It's harder work running your own business. As I get more and more clients the deadlines and pressure increase. I don't want to take on staff. My wife does bookkeeping when we are asked to do it. I have control of my own life. I can raise my fees when I want within reason and if I want more money I do more work.