Salary, Commission or Contribution

Every day when I come to work, I know almost down to the penny how I will be compensated for my services.  I know what taxes are being withheld and I know where my voluntary contributions are going.  Regardless of any type of decision I make throughout the day, my income remains unaffected (unless I go psycho mad and am "asked to leave").  Can you imagine what this world look like if we all relied on a salary only?

Specifically, I am thinking of those jobs (some with considerable power) where the emphasis is not placed on the base salary.  The options that readily come to mind are tips, commissions and contributions.

It is an interesting dichotomy.  Referencing tips, we have many food service workers who rely on a small base wage, with the majority of their income held at the mercy of an unforgiving (and sometimes cheap) public.  These workers are the "face" of the establishment being visited, and will be held accountable for slow seating, kitchen errors and missed opportunities of the refilled water glass.

Then we have marketers (sales).  Again, a smaller base wage with promises of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow if they can CLOSE THE DEAL.  A lot of work and much like the food service worker, no guarantee of a great payday, regardless of quality of work.

Every vote may count but $$ add up!

Finally, think of all the politicians who rely on campaign contributions from the constituents they serve.  And not 100% of the constituents.  Generally, just those who have deep pockets or a vested interest in the outcome of regulations, laws and policies.  I don't know why we have anything called "special interest" groups, since I would think anyone who makes a significant contribution in effect, becomes the next "special interest" group.

When it comes time to make hard choices on rules, regulations, laws....how much thought do you suppose is given to avoidance of offending a current contributor, at all costs?

I think we all know the answer to that.  Public service can quickly morph into "self-serving" when push comes to shove.  It is depressing.  And we haven't even discussed the "petty issue" factor that I have been told comes into play on a regular basis (and my sources are the same people who have worked for some of the highest offices).

Need I say more?

Let's do a scenario.  If  I was a doctor (set income currently), which patients do you suppose I would see first?   If I was a trash collector, which homes would I make sure I never missed?  If I delivered a newspaper.....wait, bad example.  At least here in Austin, even on a good day, they are hit or miss (or miss, or miss).   It's probably in their best interest to continue to collect up front.  But for the first two scenarios, the correct answer is big tippers and regular contributors!



In summary, when dining out, remember, if you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out.  Don't begrudge a marketer their commission (they are few and far between) and finally remember your vote could go farther with a handsome contribution.

your pal,
#showmethemoney

Kari

Read'em and Weep

Throughout the years when my kids were growing up (and remember, that spanned a period of 38 years given the ages of my girls). we have read many books together.  One of my favorites that I remembered as a child was "Are You My Mother?"  I loved that book so it was no surprise when each of my girls received their own copy.  There was never a shortage of Dr. Seuss books and of course, any seasonal book (Valentines Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas) were always included.

Does not come with tissues

There were some books (really good books) that I always dreaded reading.  These books always had a meaningful message as opposed to the rhyming books or animal stories.

The first one I remember with significance was "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein.  This was a book that Megan loved and I could NEVER get through it without my throat closing around the words I was trying to read.  Megan would look at me and say "Are you crying?"  Truth was yes....answer was NO!  I believe she cries now when she reads it.

The next book that just about broke me was "Love You Forever".  Who writes this stuff??  This book was published on Marissa's second birthday and soon became a part of our repertoire.  It is about the evolving relationship between parent and child.  Every time it was handed to me to read (past tense since I just refuse now), I could not get through it without wavering (kind word for weeping).

Finally, have you read "The Next Place"?  Not without tissues on hand, I would wager.  The wonderfully written book is 36 pages of necessity for anyone who has endured a lose.  I love how it is written...I love the message....yet I cannot read it without bitterly weeping.  I used this book when I was doing grief counseling with kids, and quickly realized this was a book to GIVE versus trying to choke my way through.  Madison had (has) her own copy and liked to read it....and while I wept she subtly patted my arm.  No verbal acknowledgement necessary.  Just the comfort.

So, what books bring you to an emotional standstill?  I invite you to share them (mainly so I can avoid them).  I also have a number of movies I will NOT EVER WATCH again (at least in mixed company).  But that is for another blog, another day.

Okay - sneak preview "Terms of Endearment"  NEVER. AGAIN.

until next time,
#uglycrier

your pal,
Kari