Friday, March 09, 2007

The Bonus Bummer

Yesterday I got a raise and a bonus.

And I am bummed.

WTF is wrong with me? My company loves me and gives me a very generous increase in salary and a very VERY sweet bonus for my past years efforts. My boss had very nice things to say to me and he was concerned about my health and even offered to change my hours if it would allow for exercise time in my life. He has seen me increase in girth but also quit smoking and he is very supportive. I am so lucky to work as such a great place.

But I am pissed off.

My bonus is not a bonus at all. It is only going to go to bill collectors that keep calling my house all hours of the day. We are in such a deep dark financial hole that this “bonus” money is only going to help us get out of that hole.

I guess that is a good thing and at times I see that it is BUT it is upsetting when your best efforts and extra work only gets you out of a hole. There is no reward which is what a bonus should be. I remember about this time last year I thought, “If I kick butt this year and get a sweet bones I am gonna hook up a CMGS and be a total BG Ninja!” but that is not going to happen.

I know I should count my blessings and especially after such a spiritual weekend but this goes to show you that I am not perfect. I am upset because I cannot splurge for once in my life when I should be able to. Well, I better get to kicking butt this year and see what next year has in store for me.

I need a Pop-tart or something to cheer me up.

8 comments:

Scott K. Johnson said...

Major suckage man.

It's been the same for me too. I've been drooling over a new laptop, but every time I come into some money I have to cover bills with it.

It will not be like this forever man!

And at least you can tell those bill collectors to stick that phone where the sun don't shine and get them off your back for a bit.

It still sucks though.

Your boss/job sounds like a winner though. You just have to convince him that you need to get to Minneapolis for something now...

:-)

Shannon said...

We're in a deep hole too, but on the bright side, we can pay it off as long as we just stick to paying bills and necessities.

Keep plugging away and soon you'll be in the red and able to afford that CGMS. Just keep your eye on the prize.

And I agree with Scott, your boss sounds like a winner indeed :)

Kevin said...

Perspective: Getting out of the hole is the reward for your hard work!

I think you'll be amazed at the relief of being back on firm financial ground and out of debt.

Congrats on the bonus, the raise, having an excellent boss, and to your fresh start toward financial and physical health. All of those things are HUGE, and you should be very proud of yourself.

Megan said...

Hey George,
Congrats on your raise and bonus -- very cool!

But, boy I am feeling you on the whole "financial hole" thing. It's not just money, it's psychological too. Maybe you could take just a part of that bonus and doing something nice for yourself?

Enjoy your weekend!

Megan

Major Bedhead said...

Joining you in the financial hole there, dood. We don't have huge debts by anyone's standards, but TCBIM barely makes enough to cover our expenses, which is why I'm going back to work as soon as I can find daycare spots for the girls.

We got a huge tax refund, but it all went to bills and we're still not out of the hole.

Anonymous said...

I moved to my current job 16 months ago. They gave me 5% of my salary to pay for moving expenses to MOVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY. Didn't quite cover it! I put the rest on a credit card and am STILL working to pay it off. Guess what my refund is going to?

Wendy Morgan said...

I feel your pain. I am getting a nice check for being part of the Freestyle Navigator CGM trial and was going to use it to buy one (prob. the new Minimed Minilink out Monday), but the bills are mounting.

Sarah said...

George,
I've totally felt financial strain,and it seemed like the kids getting Medicaid couldn't have come at a better time as it gave me more freedom to quit my second job. I guess I feel your pain. Sorry it has to happen like this.