You work Monday through Friday at a job you like. Sure, it's not perfect. And there are things you'd love to change. But basically, you like what you do.
You're a hard worker. In fact, you're one of the best performers in your office.
Every Monday when you get to work, your boss stops by. "Hi Lucy, how was your weekend?" he asks. "Great thanks, and yours?"
Despite the pleasantries, you know where the conversation is heading. It's the same one you have every time you've been off for a day or more.
And it doesn't matter how well you've been doing. In fact, there's zero correlation between your performance and what's coming next.
"So Lucy," your boss continues. "This week we're going to have to decrease your paycheck by 38%. I'm sorry. But at least it's better than two weeks ago." He's referring to the two weeks prior when your paycheck was reduced by 63%.
In fact, last week it was only reduced by 20%, but lately it's been closer to 40. You have no control over the level of reduction, nor does your boss.
There have even been times when your boss has had to have the more difficult conversation.
"Lucy, I know you've worked really hard this week. And we think you're doing a great job. But unfortunately we can't pay you at all this week. But we can loan you a little bit of money that you can pay back next week. We hope you understand. It's not that we don't appreciate all that you do, and the hours you put in. It's nothing personal, just business."
I'm Lucy. Welcome to my world.
Sorry, it's been a rough few weeks.
(Oh, and the scenario above may be imagined, but the numbers are real).
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