Surely you invoke the negative energy that's effecting the vibes???

[oursin]

The yoga studio where I teach hasn’t been paying me on time (AAM: 4th one down):

I’ve been teaching yoga for about four years now and was hired for my first job at this small group training facility. I teach once a week and often sub for one of the two other instructors. I previously got paid monthly. I have a full-time job and this is my side gig. So, it’s money I use for things like gifts, or save up for vacations.
Over the last two years, my monthly payment stretched to being paid every two months. This past year, it’s stretched out to being paid every four or five months. I’ve asked the owners several times to leave a check for me for next week. I’ve also asked if there is an easier way for them to pay me, such as Venmo or direct deposit.
I’m at the point now where I’m owed for over 21 classes ($40 per class). Enrollment in the small training groups seems to have dropped as I’m seeing new members less. People do join for the yoga-only package to come to the yoga classes. What’s the best way to ask to be paid and let them know I can’t/shouldn’t have to wait longer than two months for payment? I’m at the point now where I want to say that I won’t teach until I get paid, but that isn’t really my vibe.

Alison responds: Well, wait, saying that you won’t teach until you get paid should be your vibe! That’s a very reasonable and justifiable stance to take. If there are any wrong vibes here, it’s “we hire you for your labor and then don’t pay you when promised.”
I’m guessing you’re worried about coming across as confrontational with people you’re on good terms with … but where is their worry about coming across badly to you?
In any case, it doesn’t need to be adversarial. You can simply say, “I’m currently owed for 21 classes and I’ve tried to extend as much grace as I can, but I really do need to be paid. There’s so much owed now that I can’t teach any additional classes until we get this squared away, because I don’t want the outstanding amount to grow larger. Can you let me know when I can pick up the check?”
But also: once you’re paid, consider whether you can safely continue teaching at this studio, because it sounds like the payment issues may continue. At a minimum, you could consider requesting that monthly payment be made before you teach for the following month … because otherwise you’re risking that at some point payment will never arrive and you’ll have been working for free.

Comments

[mrissa]

Having my work valued as per agreement is absolutely my vibe.

[matsushima]

Yeah, wage theft is absolutely not my vibe.

[minoanmiss]

*vibrates with rage at the people stringing LW along*

[topaz_eyes]

Enrollment in the small training groups seems to have dropped as I’m seeing new members less.

Imho this is probably why LW hasn't been getting paid. LW needs to ask for their back pay now before the studio closes permanently. And be prepared for the non-zero chance they may not get paid even when they ask. If that happens, LW may want to seek legal advice.