AIO My boss is going on vacation and doesn’t want to pay me

[u/Icy-Purpose4990]

For context I manage a Hair & Makeup freelance business. I do all client communications, payroll, book additional artists for larger jobs when we need extra hands, etc. I am also a makeup artist so I work on clients as well. The owner of the company (we will call him Bill) is also a makeup artist and hair stylist. I get a base pay each week to run the business and when I do clients I get paid for each of them. But he does most of the clients since he also does hair and has a lot of regulars for cuts, colors etc.

Bill has a trip planned to go out of the country to visit family for 2 weeks. This trip has been planned for several months. Bill is the type of person who gets very anxious and spirals, creates issues in his head that haven’t even begun etc. I talk him down off of ledges often. He is a workaholic and will literally say yes to every single client, even if we don’t necessarily have space in our schedule for them. But at the same time, he will complain about how he’s always working and never has time off or time to himself. He will have complete meltdowns over how exhausted he is. Even though he’s the cause of his own exhaustion.

He has been worried about not having income during the time he is gone. He mentioned maybe a few weeks ago that maybe he should take the work phone with him and handle client communication while he is gone so he doesn’t have to pay me since he won’t have income during those 2 weeks. I told him I didn’t think that was necessary and if money became an issue we would figure it out. It’s something that has happened during times when business was slow and we figured it out. We have been posting on social media about him being out of town, but that I will still be here to take clients. However it’s Summer, kids are getting out of school, people are going on vacation. So things are generally slow for us in June/July.

So he sends me this text a couple days ago. Am I wrong for being upset by this? No clear conversation with a conclusion was ever had about this. Then the fact that he tries to say that *I* never brought it back up?! It’s not my trip nor my responsibility to since this was his concern. Mentioning that we should have posted about him being out of town more literally is irrelevant. It doesn’t hurt or help. It just makes people aware that he isn’t available.

I was under the impression it would be business as usual on my end. It’s truly not even about the money. It’s about the way this has been handled and lack of concern for my personal finances and overall lack of accountability. I’m really just disgusted and frustrated by this. So AIO?

[u/Funeral_Goat_1446]

That’s the biggest load of BS I’ve ever read in a professional context. Can you find a new job? This is not sustainable.

[u/Mother_Ad_8832 → u/Funeral_Goat_1446]

NOR, matter of fact, you need to react a little MORE. Man literally is telling you he doesnt trust you to do your own job without him micromanaging you. Sounds like buddy needs a business partner to hold down the fort while he is spiraling out of control on his vacation lol he couldnt even afford to pay you $800 for the 2 weeks hes gunna be gone but wanted to take a vacation? All of this smells like bullshit to me.

[u/BlackSeranna → u/Mother_Ad_8832]

Probably is. This is a sign that the guy spends the money from his business on his personal expenses, which is really a no-no. It means he is living on a razor’s edge and thinks nothing of his employees.

[u/LolaBabyLove → u/BlackSeranna]

This is the real problem. If he can’t stomach $800 for two weeks of having his butt covered so he can vacation, and doesn’t want to hear that you’ll work with him to make it easier, he isn’t ever going to be a stable employer. It’s less that he’s wrong or an ahole and more that he’s not a longterm answer to your growth and continuous employment. Whether he doesn’t trust you or is just a spiraling turd doesn’t matter, the end result is the same. You need to find work with someone more reliable and conscientious.

[u/yourpurplegoddess → u/LolaBabyLove]

Yeah. He’s probably wanting to use that money on vacation rather than paying.

[u/LittlePinkRabbitttt → u/LolaBabyLove]

Agreed- I’m consistently around someone who is chronically exhausted through their own thoughts- they are chronically ineffective and frankly, exhausting to be around- Chicken Little 🐥

[u/Used-Baby1199 → u/BlackSeranna]

Taxes are one audit away from closing this business down permanently 

[u/TimboFor76 → u/Used-Baby1199]

I tried to buy a business the was run like this. One quick glance if the “books” I was out. Guy operated the business on a credit card. $50k/ month in materials. Lived in a hotel 3 months at a time. Paid for with the buisiness card. He would negotiate ahead of time. When the 3 months were up, he would store his stuff in the warehouse and use the points from the card to take a month cruise. He rented a corner of a machine shop, and the owner of the place would pull inventory for him and deliver it to his 3 customers while he was gone. All customers were within a mile. $750k sales a year, margins about 15% (his best guess) wanted $800k, no assets other than dead inventory he had been moving around for 20 years.

[u/Jboycjf05 → u/BlackSeranna]

This is not how small businesses work. The line between business money and personal money for most small businesses is nonexistent, even for most tax purposes. Its different if the business has multiple owners or investors, but most small businesses are owned by one person.

Of course, good accounting practices say to keep operating expenses separate, and only pay yourself from the profit. But that assumes the business is profitable in the first place, which is not true for a lot of small businesses. The typical business folds within its first five years of operation.

Source: wife ran a salon and I did basic business management and bookkeeping for it, including taxes.

[u/legalbetch → u/Jboycjf05]

Correct. I pay federal income tax on every dime that hits my business account (less deductions obvi,) whether I transfer it to my personal account or not.

[u/tayvane → u/Jboycjf05]

That sounds like a him problem though. If your small business employs people, operating like this cutting pay on the fly because you can't afford it is not only disrespectful towards employees but unethical as well. OP needs to get out

[u/Dazzling_Bit8686 → u/Jboycjf05]

Thank you!!! I’m shocked at how many people are wrong in this situation. My source: Me. I’m a business consultant and accountant.

[u/typical_jesus666 → u/Jboycjf05]

What you're saying about most small businesses having business expenses and personal expenses all coming from the same account is fairly accurate...but that seems like it should not be the case for a business that has actual salaried employees.

If the business isn't profitable enough to pay his employee while he's on vacation, then it doesn't sound like he can actually afford the vacation.

I don't know about your wife's salon, but I do have a friend that owns a salon and they do booth rentals...so...they don't have any actual employees...and the business functions without them being there everyday

[u/Dazzling_Bit8686 → u/BlackSeranna]

This is not necessarily true, depending on the business structure. Most business owners use the profit to pay personal expenses, it the whole point of having a business. Now, claiming personal expenses as a business expense is a different thing.

[u/Skyydragonn → u/Dazzling_Bit8686]

Smart owners pay themselves a salary and keep business profits separate. That way the business remains funded for situations like this one. This tells me that the owner is not financially responsible and that he has little regard for his employees well being. NOR get out of there. Find somewhere that appreciates and respects their employees.

[u/sassybasschick → u/Skyydragonn]

Yeah. My old man pays himself a set amount via paycheck every two weeks. The rest stays in the business for business expenses like his company vehicle, taxes, materials, etc. At the end of the year he files personal and business taxes separately. One mid-sized job can cover his paychecks for at least a month or more, but he still only pays himself a set amount. This allows money to build in the business account so he can still get a paycheck even when work is slow or if he wants to take a vacation. He's a one man show, and it would be easy to just pay himself more, but he doesn't. He's set his pay to what he actually needs, and leaves the rest alone.

[u/Skyydragonn → u/sassybasschick]

Also allows him to invest back into his business or retirement etc. It's just good business. 😉

[u/SchemeMiserable1956 → u/Skyydragonn]

Say it louder for the wannabes!!!

[u/SteelAndFlint → u/Skyydragonn]

You're assuming he has profits and these text messages do not sound like the voice of somebody who's coming out ahead.

[u/GrapefruitDue9103 → u/Dazzling_Bit8686]

And most business owners can afford to spend 800$ to their employees for 2 weeks of work while they go on vacation, without their business falling apart, but not Bill apparently

[u/becausefrog → u/Dazzling_Bit8686]

Not having any reserved fund for a known business expense like paying your employees means he's not spending his profits because he doesn't have any. His business is in the red if he can't pay his employees.

[u/TuckerMcG → u/Dazzling_Bit8686]

As someone else said, sole proprietors should be paying themselves a wage as an employee of the company. Commingling business assets with personal assets is a one way ticket to losing your license to operate and the liability shield that accompanies incorporation.

[u/Adorable-Horror1376 → u/TuckerMcG]

Most small businesses, especially things like hair salons, are LLCS. Limited liabity. Most of these businesses are not incorporated, and not taxed as a corporation- which means the individual owner reports the profits to the irs on their personal tax return- it’s legally the owners money to give back to the business, not the businesses money to distribute to the owner.

[u/StinkypieTicklebum → u/Mother_Ad_8832]

Yes! My mum lives in Florida. She is away for the summer, but STILL has to pay her house cleaner. She said if she didn’t, she’d have to find a new one when she gets back.

Your boss is full of it. He wants you to feel sorry for him. He’s not the victim! You are! Be firm.

[u/picklebumtoot → u/StinkypieTicklebum]

kind of a similar vibe to "I'm not going to be staying in my apartment while I'm on vacation so I don't think I should have to pay rent" lol like yes that would be nice wouldn't it but unfortunately that is not how this works

[u/Feisty-Appearance92 → u/StinkypieTicklebum]

This is correct. I paid for a chair and did hair as a booth renter. I was pregnant and when I left for two months I still had to pay my booth rent. Luckily, the salon owner was amazing and gave me a month free.

This is absurd.

[u/senditloud → u/Mother_Ad_8832]

I think this is more about him being worried she’s going to take his customers and they’ll like her more. That’s the whole reason to take the phone and cancel appointments. If he wanted to keep earning in his absence he’d have her take and do appointments and take a cut. And he’d keep paying her for running the business.

[u/HippoFluid1378 → u/Mother_Ad_8832]

Concerned about losing $800 while taking 2 weeks off but also doesn’t want any client interaction for two weeks?… sounds like a shitty business owner in general. I’d be looking for a new job based upon that alone. Something meant to last.

[u/Only_Perspective4410 → u/Mother_Ad_8832]

I interpreted this decision to be a symptom of his work addition and anxiety, not his distrust of OP. I think this man cannot function without work so he wants to work on vacation. The money is a secondary issue, OP is willing to work out the finances around lean business times but this man just can’t let go of work.

This situation is chaotic and working for someone with an anxiety disorder always will be chaotic. Do you like the chaos? Are you ready to have more stability in your life? Those are the questions I think OP should be asking.

[u/SealTeamEH → u/Mother_Ad_8832]

it’s not even that, it’s literally him spending waaay out of his financial level on his trip and instead of manning uo and budgeting properly he just wants her to not work so he has extra money, this is insane how much an asshole this manager is, immediately quit this place, don’t even give this asshole notice just find a new job and stop showing up, it’s way more than this asshole deserves because he’s not looking out for you in any sort of way.

[u/Scorp128 → u/Funeral_Goat_1446]

If OP is going to be without a job for two weeks and gets a base salary, OP should file for unemployment for the two weeks she is without a job waiting for the boss to return from vacation.

OP is NOR. This is ridiculous and unprofessional. This is not reasonable or practical way to run this type of business. This is not a boss/owner one should be working for.

[u/KindProfession5014 → u/Scorp128]

My thoughts too! File unemployment

[u/senditloud → u/Scorp128]

100% bet most of this is under the table or “private contractor” so she is responsible for how it gets reported. Can’t take unemployment in that situation

[u/Icy-Purpose4990 → u/Funeral_Goat_1446]

Possibly, but I do most clients through his company so it would greatly impact my income. I do my own freelance work as well. But a huge bulk cones through him and that’s where I make most of my money.

[u/Mellony1990 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Tell all your clients you have started your own business. Give them your card. Ditch this dickhead and work for yourself, it sounds like you are already running the whole business anyway

[u/MasterHedgehog6794 → u/Mellony1990]

Yes! I follow my hair stylist!

[u/Mr_Immortal69 → u/MasterHedgehog6794]

I followed a hair stylist once, but all it got me was pepper sprayed.

/s

[u/monpetitcroissanttt → u/Mellony1990]

Yes, this. But only if you didn't sign a non compete. If you signed a contract he can and likely will sue for poaching clients

[u/wallstreetbeatmeat3 → u/monpetitcroissanttt]

This dude already can’t afford to pay 400 dollars a week to employees, he doesn’t have th time or money to fight a non compete

[u/KillTheBoyBand → u/wallstreetbeatmeat3]

I don't think he's unable to afford it, he just doesn't want to. Greedy ass guy 

[u/LeeTheUke → u/KillTheBoyBand]

Bill may not be greedy, just a control freak.

Also, if he's running a business with 1 FT Employee and subcontractors and is worried about an $800 variation in receivables over a 2-wk period, he's not running it very well. Not getting your steady income as an employee just because the boss is on vacation and decides that because he's away the employees don't need to be paid is BS.

[u/Ok_Marionberry8779 → u/KillTheBoyBand]

Yeah it sounds like he saw the $800 as more travel money for himself

[u/Icy-Purpose4990 → u/KillTheBoyBand]

This!!!!

[u/NatashOverWorld → u/monpetitcroissanttt]

A guy that thinks it's his employess job to talk to him about his vague feelings about her working when he was on vacation definitely did not get a non compete.

Hell, I doubt he even has a proper letter of employment.

NOR you're underreacting OP.

[u/mittenknittin → u/NatashOverWorld]

"You should have anticipated me not wanting to pay you over the summer" is a pretty interesting way to run a business

[u/NatashOverWorld → u/mittenknittin]

'Because I felt weird about it' no less.

[u/PinkPaintedSky → u/monpetitcroissanttt]

Something tells me no paperwork was signed.

This employer seems to know nothing about running a legal business.

[u/Few_Arugula5903 → u/monpetitcroissanttt]

Non competes are notoriously nearly impossible to enforce. I've dealt with them SEVERAL times during the past few decades as a tattooer. I've never had a judge enforce it.

[u/MoosedaMuffin → u/monpetitcroissanttt]

Non-competes are not enforceable in many US states.

[u/Opening_Succotash271 → u/monpetitcroissanttt]

For small businesses, those non competes don’t typically hold up well.

[u/Key_Hope_6915 → u/Mellony1990]

THIS 👆

[u/WhoLetTheWeirdIn → u/Mellony1990]

This! Out occasional cleaner we met through an agency started her own business and we stuck with her.

[u/Mother_Ad_8832 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

This is already greatly affecting your income, I think your already passed that point OP.

[u/Rare-Vacation9427 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

if youre taking apts while hes gone regardless then maybe take your clientele to another location? he’s accepting awareness of the issue but not taking accountability for his role as the owner and lack of proper communication. you have every right to be frustrated and it sounds like you’ve held him down long enough..when people disregard you its always best to prioritize and take care of yourself first.

[u/YourGlacier → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

The world is literally showing you this is not reliable. You can choose to hear its message or stay in denial, but it's only going to hurt you if you keep making excuses to stay.

If you don't find a new job, in a year or two you'll find yourself without pay overnight only this time it's for real. I left my first job because it was like that--I was basically told work for free on Christmas or you're fired, and I chose being fired. Unfortunately for others, about a year later, every employee who stayed ended up shorted 2-3 paychecks because the company folded and the eccentric overseas millionaire who thought he could make games with his money ragequit the company with said money leaving everyone's contract unpaid, That's who people like your current boss are. They only care about themselves.

[u/thisthreadisbear → u/YourGlacier]

Also word to the wise. If this an under the table operation for you in this business. My friend's mother was a hair dresser for 40 years and retired at 70, problem is she did it all cash so she never filed taxes now she gets 700 a month in Social Security to live on. I don't begrudge anyone who does an under table job for a short stint if necessary but long term failing to pay taxes will screw you later in life.

[u/DNAGoddess → u/thisthreadisbear]

Excellent point! I worked in hospitality, and the servers loved the cash. They self-reported tips and about once a year I would warn them about the consequences of low Social Security payments.

[u/Icy-Purpose4990 → u/thisthreadisbear]

No, it’s not under the table.

[u/Educational-Duty8928 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Ok, but the disrespect from him is definitely under the table. And your holding it together on all four corners. You gotta go girl. I couldn't believe this was real. As I basically see that it is. What the hell are you doing!? You need to run your own show please! You have potential as a boss yourself!!!

[u/thisthreadisbear → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

That's good at least for that. But it sounds like you have all the tools you need to set out on your own. Believe in yourself your already running their business you can run your own just as well.

[u/Whittster → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Tell him that you’ll just apply for unemployment then. I doubt you actually can but it might scare some sense into him.

[u/Charming-Insurance → u/Whittster]

I don’t see why she can’t. She’s ready to work and there is none. Union jobs do this all the time. Question is, is it under the table.

[u/Icy-Purpose4990 → u/Charming-Insurance]

No I’m a w2 employee. We have an LLC, accountant, pay taxes etc.

[u/MoosedaMuffin → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Tell him that you will be filing for unemployment as a result of the loss of income. He has essentially furloughed you.

[u/Ok_Pomegranate_5748 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Then at least file unemployment.

[u/ovalseven → u/Whittster]

I doubt you actually can

Why not? Layoffs are the type of situation UI is meant for.

[u/Scorp128 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

So your income is not going to be greatly impacted for two weeks when you don't get paid and are in a forced layoff? You receive a base salary for your work. You should be able to file for unemployment.

[u/chicksports17 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Did you sign anything? Can you go off on your own and take YOUR clients with you?

[u/fly1away → u/chicksports17]

DO THIS. You have 2 weeks to do it.

[u/Important_Contact588 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Not for the next couple of weeks. You either work for him or you don’t. What type of job allows him $0 overhead when he decides not to work? And isn’t the point that you will make him money?

[u/SweaterSteve1966 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

NOR. I think you’re not reacting enough and telling him you are quitting. This is BS. Sorry OP, can you find other employment in your area?

[u/SharkeyGeorge → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

With someone like this I wouldn’t feel bad taking his clients and looking after them myself and leaving him in the lurch. Treating your staff like this is a disgrace.

[u/Pedal2Medal2 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

NOR & you should be! This guy is a clown. You should’ve just replied w/an ok, then request he not make getting unemployment difficult.

[u/Kooky-Theory-8784 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Leech owners LOVE people like you working for them. You can start low key recruiting your customers to come directly to you and market yourself as independent.  Most hair stylists, colorists, makeup artists I know (mother was a professional stylist in L.A. until she retired) kept all contacts themselves and could move if necessary from salon to salon.  He's 100% using you and this shortsighted bullshit on his part should be a wakeup call to you!  He will absolutely replace you without batting an eyelash as is clear by his manipulative texting.  Not overreacting!

[u/ChromakeyDreamcoat82 → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

He has you right where he needs you to be, believing you rely on him or somehow can't be in business without his crumbs.

If this were a romantic relationship, it would be coercive control.

You don't need to knee-jerk now, but you need a plan for professional independence. You can try to make the arrangement more professional by clearing the air and saying that you need to have a discussion about holiday alignment so that you can have good notice of closure dates and plan your own breaks. You shouldn't be 'sharing the blame' as they're trying to suggest.

It wouldn't bother me in your shoes to be told the business has shut down weeks, but there should be adequate notice at the same time.

[u/ennmac → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

This is a wild business arrangement, and I'm honestly shocked and impressed that it's gone okay so far. You're not overreacting, and you're probably underreacting.

[u/PinkPaintedSky → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Time to tell all your personal clients that you will be moving on and they are welcome to join you.

[u/Traditional_Fan_2655 → u/Funeral_Goat_1446]

Also, OP should try to file unemployment if possible. NOR

[u/Pippercillin]

If he’s worried he won’t have income while on his trip because he’s paying an employee then he’s a terrible business owner.

You should find another job as soon as possible because he’s only thinking of himself and he will absolutely screw you over again. Ideally he’d come back and you’d have something else lined up!

[u/Used-Baby1199 → u/Pippercillin]

I bet he doesn’t pay his taxes correctly and is one audit away from catastrophic failure that will result in op not getting paid in the future.  The owner is already robbing Peter to pay Paul.  Nothing good will come of this

[u/chi_townBat → u/Used-Baby1199]

Exactly. Sounds like he's taking money from the "business" to pay for his trip. If its really setting him back $800, I wonder how many other times he hasn't paid OP

[u/Silent_plans → u/Used-Baby1199]

When OP leaves, they should absolutely flag him to the IRS.

[u/biscuitsorbullets → u/Pippercillin]

I’d be so pissed in your shoes, he doesn’t have your back, find a different job and he can be shocked Pikachu when he gets back and you are gone. His vacation perfectly lines up with the two week notice period!

[u/OMGCamCole → u/Pippercillin]

Yeah like this makes no sense.

If my boss goes on vacation, I continue working. Yes my boss is paying me. No my boss is not directly earning revenue himself. The company is still earning revue though the work I’m doing though, and more revenue than it’s paying out to me. This is how businesses operate

[u/Prize_Cranberry8553 → u/Pippercillin]

Yeah, I keep more than 2 weeks of payroll in the bank. There are only 4 of us, but that’s a decent amount of money. If this guy is concerned about making payroll for the two weeks he’s gone, there are some big problems here.

[u/rodimus147]

NOR. This would be a sign for me to find a new job. He has no regard or sympathy for the position he is putting you in. Also if being 800 in the hole is that stressful then he shouldn't be going on vacation in the first place.

None of this makes any sense. Least of all you putting up with it.

[u/lovelaraaa → u/rodimus147]

Fr He’s talking like he’s giving her an handout

She’s literally working for the money

And why go on vacation if $800 is a big hole for you

[u/MistukoSan → u/lovelaraaa]

Not to mention $800 for all of the responsibilities listed is quite low pay to begin with. I make a flat rate “salary” as a project manager for a contracting company and have similar responsibilities but I’m also making large commissions on jobs. This just doesn’t seem fair to OP all around. NOR.

[u/wolfpack_matt → u/rodimus147]

Came here to say this. If he's constantly whining about working too much while simultaneously saying $800 is too much to pay OP, there's something wrong with his business plan.

And I get it, my business has slow months (the "J" months - summer when everyone is on vacation and just after the holidays when everyone is no longer spending all their money), but then I make sure I have enough saved up to pay my bills/employees when cash flow is low.

ETA: NOR. This is a huge red flag screaming mismanagement.

[u/ThoughtKey724 → u/rodimus147]

I love how blunt this is. None of it makes sense because he is being completely unreasonable, you deserve better

[u/Top-Bit85]

NOR. You need a new job. Lucky you have a couple of weeks to job search.

[u/exuberantram → u/Top-Bit85]

My thoughts exactly, sounds like OP has 2 weeks to find another job.

[u/Not-a-Kitten]

As a boss, I would always pay our staff if i closed the office. You have bills to pay, and i respect your time and your commitment to my business. This guy is awful. Please look for a new job during these two weeks. Don’t tell him - just do it. Ideally you are already working at the new place when he gets back. The two weeks he didn’t pay you was your two week notice! This boss is so unprofessional and inconsiderate.

Edit: NOR

[u/Melodic_Policy765 → u/Not-a-Kitten]

Heck, I pay my cleaning lady on any occasion that I ask her not to come if it is her regular day. Her bills don’t stop because I have a conflict.

[u/cpurr3 → u/Melodic_Policy765]

That is very kind of you 💓

[u/WryCoot9r → u/Melodic_Policy765]

We do the same. We also pay our hair and dog walkers when we cancel. Dog walkers get vacation pay/ paid days off. Yard guy gets paid holidays when it rains too. Why? It's the right thing to do.

[u/Guilty_Application14 → u/Melodic_Policy765]

Same here, or if her day in is a holiday.

[u/rickonsdeaddire → u/Not-a-Kitten]

In the US you always pay employees first before yourself. OP needs a new employer STAT.

[u/knorxo → u/Not-a-Kitten]

In civilized countries you dont even have the option not to pay them

[u/RedHolly]

NOR this is incredibly unprofessional. Start looking for another job that cares about you because obviously he doesn’t. If he’s more upset over $800 than leaving you in the lurch, you know where his priorities are. He’s not there for you, find a new job that actually respects you

[u/SeaAnthropomorphized]

So, he is going on vacation, and you don't get paid cuz he is not working?

I just feel like this is illegal somehow.

Cuz how can he just say, hey I'm stopping work for you because I am going on vacation?

You are under reacting. What about your finances? That's why you have a job.

[u/Used-Baby1199 → u/SeaAnthropomorphized]

This falls in different territory.   Op is probably 1099, so a self employed contract worker.  They are contracted by the boss to do  hair and makeup, and would only be paid per client after completion of the job, unless they have an agreement of down payments to cover mater costs, which in this case would be beauty supplies…. Wigs, make up, hair dyes.   Some of these materials are rather pricy like real human hair for wigs or weave or extensions vs synthetic hair which is less desirable but also less expensive 

[u/Curating-Curiosity → u/Used-Baby1199]

OP said in a different comment there is no contract, and they get paid a base pay per week to do the management side of the company while the owner does the hair and makeup for the clients (presumably getting all that money).

[u/Used-Baby1199 → u/Curating-Curiosity]

Yeah I just noticed my error and edited another comment I posted.  The boss is just terrible with money and doesn’t properly run a business.  If they are working so much they should have money.  Sounds like the boss isn’t departing their finances between personal and business accounts.   What a load of shit. 

Living beyond their means and making employees fund their vacation.   That’s not how business works!   It’s the other way around.   The boss should be paying employees and themselves as an employee, and funding the vacations of employees while keeping money to cover operating expenses in a business account. 

[u/SeaAnthropomorphized → u/Used-Baby1199]

This! The boss is running a shitty business and OP needs to run away from that upside down place.

[u/Due_Environment_997 → u/Used-Baby1199]

She has stated in another comment that she is a w-2 employee.

[u/UseYourIndoorVoice]

NOR. This was weird. He doesnt want to pay you for work, so he shuts the business down? Ultimately, thats his call. It leaves you out of a source of income as well, and he had almost a year to plan for this. You may want to find a more stable situation. Its not on you to calm him down and definitely not your responsibility to go without money because a business owner can't stand the idea of debt. In no other business is it OK to not pay the employees when the owner takes time off.
He could have set some money aside, or made sure the only work you had to do was what customers paid you directly. This is not the way to keep employees, and I hope you manage to find work elsewhere. Good luck.

[u/Mr_Immortal69 → u/UseYourIndoorVoice]

What he should have done was to account for two weeks of her pay as part of his cost for taking a vacation.

I’ve owned a small business. Part of our decision to hire employees (once we were established enough) was specifically so that I could be away from the shop without having to close down.

Closing your business, even for just a single day, means that you are sending clients and potential clients somewhere else. Just because you have a need to be out doesn’t magically make your clients or potential clients not need the goods or services that you offer. Most people won’t wait until you get back, they’ll go somewhere else.

Paying your employees to keep your business open while you are away is the cost of ensuring that you still have a business to come back to.

[u/Middle--Earth]

It sounds like you have two full weeks to contact clients and set up your own business.

You're already running his business for him, so it won't be difficult.

NOR

[u/bophus-again]

NOR.

What aren’t you looking for a new job? So your boss wants you to take appointments, make calls, do the work, but since they won’t be there, they won’t pay you?

Your boss can’t afford employees. Your boss isn’t your friend. Your boss is a business owner looking out for themselves only.

Get a new job.

[u/Adjektiv-Substantiv]

Is this a real job? Do you have a contract?

[u/Icy-Purpose4990 → u/Adjektiv-Substantiv]

It is a real job. I have known the owner for 18 years and have been working with him for the past 4 years. We don’t have a contract. But clearly there should be one.

[u/Not-a-Kitten → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

He only pays you 400 per week? Sounds like you do important work for him. Start your own business competing w him!

[u/Remote-Conflict929 → u/Not-a-Kitten]

This!!! Take all his business !

[u/abrasivecriminal → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

If you dont have a contract its not a real job. He is just taking advantage of you completely on his terms. Granted with so much fuss going around over 800 dollar, if you pushed for real legal employment i dont think there is any way this guy can pay with all the taxes, fees and insurance associated with having an employee. So you would probably be out of a job.

[u/GoinCoastal-FL → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Sorry to say but $10 an hour to run your buddies company that he spends every single dollar isn’t a “real job”. I’m obviously assuming it’s some sort of in home service that you split commission on being the only thing that makes it seem real. Otherwise we are back to not surviving on $10/ hr. The drive thru at most places pays $15 starting sooooooo.

[u/Adjektiv-Substantiv → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Get a new job, and make sure there is a contract involved. You practically have no rights and your livelihood is unsustainable. Even if the owner would act on your behalf, the risk involved with not having a contract is too big. A proper friend would make sure you had a contract. NOR.

[u/Nightmarecrusher → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

If there's no contract then start your own business.

When he gets back from his vacation you can decide if you're going to continue to pick up work from him or go off on your own.

You were going to run things anyway, you have the skills.

[u/christchild_ → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

lol do you pay taxes?

[u/Calgary_Calico → u/Icy-Purpose4990]

Never do any sort of business without a contract, especially freelance work like this. Is any of this agreement in writing of any kind? Email or text? That can count as a binding contract in some cases

[u/geekychic42]

This screams of labor law violations and this boss is obviously garbage. Why are you saying you'll always work for them? Take their vacation time to find a new job or finish setting up your own shop. If anything this person is just holding you back.

[u/Important_Cup_8807]

Your boss has no business owning a business if he can’t cover 800$

[u/CaliAnywhere]

All his messages show his lack of accountability and immaturity. “You didn’t bring it up either…” “Maybe I didn’t bring it up because I was overwhelmed…” Bitch please. As a business owner he has responsibilities and he sounds too whiny and self-pitying to handle them.

[u/ProudAbalone3856]

NOR

Start looking for another job immediately. This is very fly-by-night. 

[u/chicagok8]

NOR. This makes me so angry on your behalf. He’s a cheap SOB and he’s taking advantage of you. Take the two weeks to find another job. He doesn’t appreciate your value so let him sink or swim on his own.

Since you don’t have a contract with him, you won’t be breaking any agreement if some clients choose to stay with you. And I bet some of his clients will be frustrated with him if you’re not there to do the background work that keeps the place running.

[u/Drablo0n]

I mean, what he is trying to do would be illegal here where I live. Very illegal.

NOR, I think you're under reacting to his bs

[u/Odd-Blackberry-2893]

Find another job. He's wanting to take a vacation for 2 WEEKS and not pay you to live for 2 weeks over it. Not a good person. Go where you're valued.

[u/Beneficial-Focus3702]

Fuck you, pay me.

NOR

[u/Didi1958]

He’s a horrible boss and you need a new job. You are not over reacting.

[u/Witty_Ad_2098]

Maybe tell him that as you're not getting paid for 2 weeks you will be taking your own vacation. You really need to look for a new job. You're under-reacting.

[u/rightMeow20]

“Bill if you don’t pay me for everything I do for you because you’re on vacation you won’t have me to pick up the pieces of your failed business when you return”

[u/ajahanonymous]

You should be able to file for unemployment for those two weeks.

[u/Important_Contact588]

NOR. Quit

[u/thickismalls]

NOR, I would hate to work a job like this and be at the mercy of someone's emotional and financial instability. I would hate to have to constantly communicate with my boss when I'm not even working. Please try and find something else because this guy not only doesn't trust you, but doesn't respect you either.

[u/MidnightRunner909]

You sound well capable of running your own show and making better money. If your child of a boss can do it, you will do it better.

[u/keepgoingguy]

NOR - You’re never going to be successful attached to this ass hat. He makes poor decisions and can’t communicate. Find a way not to need him.

[u/southpaytechie]

Inform your boss you’ll be filing for unemployment for those two weeks. See if that changes his mind.

[u/NeighborhoodTasty271 → u/southpaytechie]

NOR. Definitely file for it, if you don't get paid, as you should be eligible. Not sure this guy would understand what it means to his business until he has to actually deal with it but he'll find out.

[u/LibraryMouse4321]

NOR

Stop doing extras, like being his unpaid therapist. Start poaching his clients and also looking for another job.

[u/Jude_the_obscurest]

Wait, are you in the U.S.? Is this an hourly position? Because if so: A. It is 100% against the law to "catch up on your pay when I get back". Employees need to get paid when they are supposed to get paid - every Friday, every other Wednesday, whenever pay day is. It doesnt matter where the boss is or what he is doing, Employees get paid. B. You absolutely could file for unemployment for those two weeks because you are available to work, and there is no work. C. This boss is apparently a terrible boss and not great at running a business either.

[u/Runns_withScissors]

NOR. Imo, you are under-reacting. It's your job to manage the business, and all of a sudden you're being told, "Oh, by the way, your job doesn't exist if [boss] is feeling insecure, going on vacation, having personal finance issues or (insert BS reason here). I don't understand why you're so upset (blink, blink, wide eyed)-you should have followed up when I mentioned this a few weeks ago!"

That's ridiculous. Whether he spirals or not is a non-issue. He's responsible for behaving like a professional; as an employee, even one who cares about him deeply, you should not have to adjust and readjust yourself and your job on a moment-by-moment basis according to his emotional state.

[u/neocondiment]

“I don’t feel comfortable going on vacation for two weeks and coming back in the hole so why don’t I go on vacation anyway and you stay here but you be the one in the hole.”

Good boss. He really cares. About what, I have no idea.

[u/McCloud888]

Nonsense but you know you need to find a new job.

Take a leaf out of your boss's book and think about yourself.

[u/No-Muffin-8701]

Sounds like YOU are the business not him. You manage it and you run it.

I would sack HIM and go it alone. He is not consistent or reliable as an employer. Sounds like you are though so why waste your time with him and generate money for hom.

[u/Sea-Operation-6123]

I’m confused … is he saying he’s going to close the business while he’s gone because there’s only 1 booking?

[u/teip696]

I would look for another job.

[u/80sladie]

I think he is threatened by you. You must be very good at what you do.

Instead of celebrating such a great team, he is being a miser.

I'd leave.

[u/thefooleryoftom]

NOR

Use the two weeks to find another job or take your clients somewhere else. Don’t go back or do any further work for him.

[u/Numerous-Audience180]

How can he not have enough liquid cash to pay his employees whilst he's away for only 2 weeks? He's a terrible business owner. NOR. Find a new job, he's incompetent.

[u/xbaconbearx]

This is not how you run a business, and it became increasingly clearer that your boss isn't running things by the book. He should be taking paid annual leave, and leaving you/someone in charge to manage things for the duration. Instead, it seems like he is a cash-in-hand, flying-by-the-skin-of-his-ass-cheeks sorta person. None of this is legitimate.

You need to find a new job.

[u/saltgarlicolive]

Nothing like a beauty professional breaking labor laws and not paying people

[u/letuswatchtvinpeace]

Your boss is worried that he can't pay you $800 for working while he is on vacation!?! That is not a good business, you need to start looking elsewhere.

Also, your boss is putting his responsibility on you and then blaming you for not communicating enough. How are you suppose to know what to communicate if he has no clue what he is doing.

This guy is going to implode, I would start making arrangements for your financial future.

[u/badlilbishh]

Your doing all that for $400 a week? You’re actually getting robbed and you should find a new job asap.

[u/CandleWhoree]

So basically your boss thinks you’re living just to work for him/her. Not that you work to support your life or anything. Not like you have bills to pay! This is so insane. I hope you’re looking for another job!!

[u/Billy_the_Kid_]

Honestly sounds mean but don’t don’t work for someone who can’t spare $800. That’s a liability for you.

[u/Automatic_Space7878]

NOR OP, this is absolute BS..... if this trip has been planned for months, he should've said "I'm worried about finances while I'm gone. Can we sit down and discuss what makes sense for both of us?" Rather than last minute making the unilateral decision of "I'm picking up the phone on Sunday" and you just go unpaid for 2wks?!. Also, whether intentional or not, this message feels emotionally mainpulative...the whole thing is centered on HIS anxiety & HIS financial concerns? Not how this is going to affect you?! WTH....As someone else said, this isn't sustainable - I can totally understand why you're feeling disgusted & frustrsted. I'm pissed off for you!! I can't imagine dealing with someone like this...I wish you the best of luck.

[u/Ok_Day_8559]

NOR. Tell him that gives you extra time to interview for your next job. Don’t panic because it sounds like he needs you a lot more than you need him.

[u/Nightmarecrusher → u/Ok_Day_8559]

No, don't tell him anything.

[u/ConsultJimMoriarty]

NOR

and send a final text saying that’s fine, you don’t need to pay me for these appointments. Because I won’t be doing them. Have fun!

[u/AutisticBells]

WTF

NOR

[u/Funtivity_Director]

Quit right now. NOR. You can't be expected to live your life with pay. Nope. This is wildly unprofessional.

The conversation needed to happen earlier and also not at all. Doesn't sound like your boss is in the situation to take a vacation. Financially.

Bail!

UpdateMe

[u/angie456]

NOR. I would have already been applying for new jobs while he was texting all that foolishness back. He wouldn’t have to worry about paying me again.

[u/Niep00320]

If you’re in the US you could apply for unemployment those two weeks

[u/seasoned11]

running a business this way isn't sustainable long term. all these excuses from them...completely unacceptable. 🫤

(and stop letting them take advantage of your understanding nature!)

[u/triniempress89]

You need a different job

[u/ihave_eyes]

He's worried you're going to "steal" his clients

[u/rockmediabeeetus]

NOR. Leave, if possible. This is not sustainable long-term—and that ain’t your fault.  

[u/Antivaxer-anihilator]

This was not yours to infer from previous conversations. He needed to be very up front with you about this - as in he needed to tell you in writing at least 3 months in advanced so you could make necessary arrangements for your own expenses.

I would tell him you expect your base pay because your living expenses won't stop just because he decided to go on vacation for 2 weeks. It's absolutely not okay for him to decide last minute not to pay you for half the month just because he didn't take his other expenses into account.

[u/JDD-Sportline]

Just to summarize: 1. He doesn’t trust you. 2. His business finances are in the toilet. 3. He cannot afford a vacation. See #2 4. He doesn’t want to pay you. See #3 5. He wants you to take the financial hit instead. See #3

This is a big NOR.

[u/Excellent_Revenue235]

NOR this type of person drives me crazy. Workaholics are spending all their money to compensate for their disorder nervous systems from the workaholism. Endless cycle of victimhood about their exhausting exhaustion

[u/el_grande_ricardo]

Why would June be slow? Don't you have brides and wedding parties?

Why wouldn't you be doing hair & makeup while he's gone? Plus handling bookings for when he gets back?

NOR

[u/Strange_Ear9069]

This is super messy and unprofessional NOR severely under reacting, please get out!!

[u/Woodpecker577]

This is insane from your boss and the amount of coddling you’ve given him is almost equally insane

[u/Foreign_Reaction3170]

That’s illegal

[u/Outside_Glass4880]

NOR

your boss sounds than a narcissistic insufferable POS. Trying to make it all about his problems and then also trying to blame you somewhat? Also that bullshit about “this sucks for both of us.” Nah what a victimized little bitch. Meanwhile he expects you to hold up his business without pay.

You need to tell him to fuck off, also don’t lift a finger if he’s not paying you.

[u/enro503]

If $800 is making or breaking his bank by going on vacation, he has more of a problem than he thinks.

[u/Alt3r_Alph4]

NOR.

Is this guy serious? “I’m not comfortable”. Buddy. Sell the business and get a 9-5 job. You’re not cut out for this.

And as for you, OP. Take those clients with you and start your own gig!

[u/TertlFace]

WHAT??!!? If you are an employee, this is your boss waving a giant red flag that says “I CAN’T MAKE PAYROLL.” A business that is so short on revenue or so poorly managed that it can’t make payroll if the boss goes away for two weeks is a sinking ship that you should evacuate asap. NOR. This place is not going to be around long anyway. Might as well start looking for the new job you’ll need anyway when this place closes.

[u/CanaryMine]

He took time off. Not you. Absolutely unacceptable.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Dig-704]

This is so unprofessional and ridiculous. This man doesn’t know how to run a business.

Before you turn over that phone, get any worth while contacts and clients off of it. File for unemployment and take those two weeks to establish yourself independently. I assume that he has a salon, but I’m sure you can do makeup outside of that, especially if you offer a discount for clients you worked with before.

Sometimes these unfortunate situations in employment give us the push we need to make changes for the better. Start paving your way to more stability.

[u/Salt-Elk-436]

How is your pay for two full weeks of work only $800? Are you making $10 an hour or are you part time?

[u/gl4mbition]

Oh wow, this is the most unprofessional shit I’ve ever seen. NOR. The fact that you have to talk him off the edge regularly… get a new job for your own health.

[u/LawyerDad1981]

This guy sounds like a complete and total utter flake and a terrible way to run a business. The whole thing also sounds just shady as hell.

Don't do one bit of work that you're not being paid for a while he is gone.

And use this time to look for a different job.

[u/That_Guy_From_KY]

NOR This guy sounds like he can’t trust anyone, even himself. NOR and if I was you I’d look for another job cause this seems like it’ll happen again. He gets upset, just tell him “the reality is that’s it’s his buisness”

[u/Useful_Cicada_5635]

The unforgivable bullshit of this is how he blames you for not asking if you would be paid because HE was taking time off.

This man is not smart and blaming you for something that I’ve never even heard of an employer doing

[u/GreenBurningPhoenix]

If the business owner can't afford to pay you 2 week salary, and is whining about being 'on minus' this is terrible unsustainable business, and it will implode sooner or later. Run. Find a new job asap. We are talking about 800$, come on, if this is make or break, I wouldn't stay there. Your job isn't to babysit your boss.

[u/PirateJen78]

Is this a very new business? Because to stress about losing $800 seems weird. If it's a new business, then I can understand your boss's POV. But if it's been around for a while, then I'm guessing he just has trouble letting things go and delegating tasks.

[u/Ebonypieds]

They are irresponsible for them to hire employees and not have clear communication about their leave. If I were you I'd quit, or at least use the time you wont be working to look for another job. It's not your job to bring it up. They sound like someone that should not be in a leadership role.

[u/Unhappy_Hamster_4296]

Your boss works constantly but doesnt have enough money to cover a vacation. Something stinks here

[u/KlutzyAd5626]

So he’s going to work on his vacation and piss off his family? Why even take a vacation?

I drop off the face of the earth from my employer when I’m on vacation.

[u/Imaginary_Drink9049]

NOR, he’s had plenty of time to figure this out in advance and is now roping you into his failure as a business owner and actually even blaming you for part of it.  Sounds toxic and unprofessional 

[u/dwightsarmy]

Why are you doing this job if not for the money? It's clearly not because it's such a socially light environment. Step up your overreacting. See the value in what you bring to the table. Maybe spend some time rewording your list of skills so you can see your worth. This is him saying: I've made a financial decision and will make you pay for it. Like...what?

[u/TispCrant]

Nor find a new job with an actual employer and not an upper manager that thinks they know how to run a full business

[u/likethedishes]

How would he not get paid? He’s the owner.. wouldn’t he make money off of each client booked? His buisness model makes no sense. And his attitude and employee treatment doesn’t make sense, either. Judging by your description of the work you’re doing for him, you’re experienced enough to branch out and do your own thing or find another position at a more stable business, OP!

[u/Old_Illustrator_2731]

Use the 2 weeks to find a new STABLE job. It may be hard but you'll find something better than this

[u/desertrock62]

“Not paying you hurts me more than it hurts you.”

[u/SICKOFITALL2379]

“You also never brought it up again”.

What the DAG GUM FUCK kind of bullshit is that. OH MY GOD you are NOR!!!! Your “boss” is incompetent AT BEST!!!!

[u/MadHatter_10-6]

Il ike that he made it your problem that he didnt communicate his own concerns. You dont read minds per chance do you?

[u/CantCatchMeSpez]

If he didnt want to pay his employees when he was on vacation, he shouldn't have hired employees.

[u/coconutespressoh]

I think you should take the two weeks off from that job, find something new, and when he gets back- just leave. It’s not going to get better and if he thinks it’s ok to do this to you once; it will happen again.