Bill at Bourke Accounting once warned that Bourke employees should avoid talking about politics, sex or religion with clients. This was sound advice last year, but it’s imperative this year. As a country, we have become polarized to the point that a few inches of cloth are causing assaults. If we can’t avoid stabbing each other over masks in shoe stores, calm political discussion seems an impossibility. This is not to say that a Bourke employee won’t share political beliefs if pressed, but why open that Pandora’s box unnecessarily? An angry, out-of-control political argument can do nothing to advance clients’ needs – and no one wants a parting of ways over ideological disagreements.
Bourke Accounting won’t “fire” a client for a differing opinion, but many people aren’t finding themselves so lucky. After the “storming” of the Capitol last week, various participants have discovered that they are no longer employed. For example, an employee of a Maryland company was fired after breaking into the federal building with his work ID badge in full view (Forbes.com). This is understandable, as most companies prohibit employees from representing them while committing criminal acts. Depending on the state, employees can be fired for simply being arrested, whether wearing identifying articles or not (HG.org).
When an employee makes terroristic threats or engages in violence, no one is overly surprised when s/he loses a job. However, is it legal to terminate an employee for peacefully exercising freedom of assembly and speech? It seems that attorney Paul Davis, formerly of Goosehead Insurance, is going to find out. From most accounts, Davis was outside of the Capitol building when he livestreamed videos to his Instagram account (BloombergLaw.com). While Davis mentioned having been pepper sprayed by law enforcement, he denied breaking into the building and, so far, there is no evidence that shows that he did (DallasNews.com). However, Goosehead fired him, citing that they don’t condone violent or illegal acts and were disappointed by Davis’ behavior (Chron.com). It’s well and good that the company was disappointed, but was the firing legal?
Chances are, since all 50 states (and D.C.) are at-will employment states (WorldPopulationReview.com), the answer is “yes”. At-will means that, as long as it’s not based on racial/sexual/gender, etc. discrimination, an employer can fire any one for any reason. Because of this, attorney Demetri Economou advises that it’s legal for a “private employer who finds out that an employee attended a rally outside of working hours” (MHLNews.com) to can that person. Economou further states that, while the First Amendment protects the right to attend a lawful protest, it “affords no protection from the employment consequences of doing so” (MHLNews.com).
Although it may be legal for companies to fire peaceful participants of pro-Poisonous Toad rallies, it’s not exactly ethical. If a participant did nothing against the law, any potential firing would have to be considered retaliation for having a different point of view. Just as peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters deserve to work, so too do the peaceful members on the other side.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers don’t want to talk politics with you – your bank statements and W2s make for more interesting (and serene) conversations. In these trying times, Bourke Accounting pros work hard to be a refuge against the chaos, not join in with it. Bourke Accounting experts strive tirelessly for your financial well-being and keep civility forever in the forefront.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Bourke Accounting professionals are fairly civic-minded; we know that we don’t live in a vacuum and, as humans, it’s sort of our job to help each other. This is not to say that we’re over here, single-handedly saving the world, but we do what we can. This fact has become pretty apparent now that the giving season is lurking just around the corner: a good percentage of our daily mail is made up of donation reminders from charitable organizations.
Even with the CARES Act allowing non-itemizing taxpayers to deduct up to $300 of donations on tax returns, many of us will find ourselves unable to donate this year. Reduced work hours or total job loss mean that there is less “extra” money available to help those in need. Although monetary donations help charities continue their good work, we can still perform good deeds this year without ever opening our wallets. After all, money isn’t everything.
One suggestion is that we all become organ donors. The coronavirus has affected nearly all aspects of our lives, including creating a shortage of donatable organs. For example, 33% of donated organs originate from traffic accidents and, because of lockdowns and travel restrictions, we’ve seen a 23% decrease in these accidents (Forbes.com). After accidents, strokes and heart attacks are the second and third most common ways in which we receive organs. However, more people are passing at home instead of hospitals right now, making their organs unusable as a result of lost blood flow (Forbes.com). While it’s hoped that your benevolence doesn’t come to fruition for many years, your donation can potentially save multiple lives and it only takes a minute to sign up as a donor.
Another non-financial way to help is by donating bone marrow. Obviously, this is more involved than signing a check, but it’s worth it. Bone marrow donations help people with illnesses such as leukemia, sickle cell anemia and immune deficiency disorders (HopkinsMedicine.org). Right now, only 2% of our population is currently on the national registry for marrow donation (IJ.org); with around 18,000 people who could benefit from this gift each year (BloodStemCell.HRSA.org), we need to step it up. While bone marrow donation does entail an actual medical procedure, it’s very safe: considering the more than 35,000 people who have donated, there has never been a single recorded death (IJ.org). Documented side effects include hip and muscle pain, fatigue and headache (BetheMatch.org). Of course, no one likes side effects, but donors agree that these side effects, while annoying, are not severe and are fairly short-lived. As one donor stated, “Yeah, my body hurt for a while, but what’s that compared to a kid being at her 8th birthday party” (Personal conversation with donor)?
If you don’t want to think about your internal bits and pieces, what about donating hair? There are many organizations that want your hair to make free/low-cost wigs for people living with maladies such as chemotherapy and Alopecia. A quick trip to your stylist can mean the world to an afflicted person by providing “self-confidence, strength and hope” (Cancer.net). With very little effort on your part, you can prove that no one is ever really alone.
There are a lot of worthy causes out there. In general, but specifically now, we should give what we can to help each other. Whether you’re able to donate money, time or even just a sympathetic ear, let’s remember that it’s the giving season. And keep in mind: studies have shown that there’s a link between generosity and happiness!
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are givers. Bourke Accounting reps will go far out of their way to make sure that you’re always satisfied. To Bourke Accounting experts, half a job is no job at all and their work proves this to be true. At Bourke Accounting, there is no such thing as an unhappy customer.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
At Bourke Accounting, I am often accused of leaning towards the “dark side.” While my co-workers are now dressed in summery pastels and floral prints, I’m still favoring mostly black. Bookkeeper Mary regales us with funny stories about her grandchildren; I wonder aloud if the bubonic squirrel found in Colorado is a harbinger of the apocalypse. Even though I am terribly mysterious and macabre (but fun at parties!), I hate to be stereotyped. Walk with me while I channel my inner Mary Poppins, won’t you?
The Black Death did a lot of good for the world. While it’s true that bubonic was responsible for the decimation of one third of Europe, that doesn’t mean it was all bad. For example, it made the population stronger. People who survived it had “their genes altered to make them more resistant to disease” (Listverse.com). In addition, researchers have discovered that, pre-plague, only ten percent of folks lived past 70; after, that number was up to 20 percent (Listverse.com). Also, just look what it did for art. Before bubonic, if art wasn’t based on religious concepts, it was considered “devil’s work” (Listverse.com). During the plague, artists realized that the citizens needed a laugh. Since there weren’t that many great religious one-liners, writers winged it and we all applaud.
While it’s difficult to see the good while the bad is still happening, there might be some positive to come out of our current situation. For instance, the coronavirus has shown how much power the “little” people actually have. The Independent Restaurant Coalition reports that about 85% of non-chain restaurants could close by next year because of poor sales related to the virus (Restaurantdive.com). While this prediction is dismal, the implication is stunning. Imagine if we all got together and said, “We’re tired of using gasoline in our cars – make us one that only uses air.” Obviously, the entire country agreeing on anything as a bloc is something out of a sci-fi fairytale, but the concept remains. The citizens hold the purse strings, and the power, not the corporations or the government.
Another good thing to come out of all of this (which I hope becomes permanent) is that restaurant servers and 1099 contract workers were able to share in unemployment benefits. Also, while I didn’t agree with handing out that extra $600 a week, I know that many were very pleased to have received it. Between that and the stimulus checks, there’s no doubt that a lot of Americans were able to stay fed and in their homes. Although there were quite a few hiccups regarding the checks and $1,200 wasn’t going to make anyone independently and forever wealthy, it was an effort. Did our elected officials decide to do this to ensure that we didn’t revolt as one? Maybe. However, I’d like to think that the motivation was of a more humanitarian nature.
Finally, the coronavirus showed the country that the jobs that pay the least are also those that are the most important; most of us are still more interested in a loaf of bread than a Brazilian butt lift. Sadly, with our rocky economy and problems inherent in raising the minimum wage, I’m not sure how we could pay these workers what they’re really worth. While acknowledging how important they are is great, I think they’d like a more concrete “thank you” in the coming months.
We’ve lost so much to this virus. Nothing will change that. Perhaps if we really try, though, we can use this terrible time to bring about lasting and important good for all. It’s worth a try.
Like the Black Death, your Bourke Accounting expert can snatch something beneficial from the most negative circumstances. Whether your business is just reopening or the IRS is on your trail, your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer is available to save your hide with a smile. Your Bourke Accounting pro is that silver lining you were looking for without knowing it.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
I don’t know how to say it differently. I don’t know how to scream it any louder. If I were to say, very nicely, over and over, “Please, 2020, the bar has turned the lights on, it’s time to leave,” do you think 2020 would settle up and go away? Just when I thought this year couldn’t possibly get any weirder or depressing, Kanye West announced that he’s going to run for President of the United States. Is this just a publicity stunt? I don’t know. Is he really serious? For the love of all things holy, I truly hope not.
If you don’t know, Kanye West is a rapper with a clothing company. Generally, his music leans towards forgettable, declawed mall pop. However, one notable song, “Gold Digger,” featuring Jamie Foxx, includes absolutely butchered samples of Ray Charles’, “I Got a Woman“, so there’s that. Sadly, Mr. West’s clothing line matches his music. For $258 (originally $349), you can own a Yeezy sweatshirt (pictured above) that resembles a burlap sack without the charm or utility (Yoox.com).
Besides his “music” and sack store, West is also known for saying some interesting things. In 2008, West claimed that he would “go down as the voice of this generation” (NME.com). As a member of the same generation as West, I vehemently deny that the gentleman speaks for me. West has also expressed his belief that 400 years of slavery was actually a choice made by the enslaved (CNN.com). After the backlash, he tried to clarify his comment by saying he didn’t actually mean people became slaves of their own freewill, but because the number of enslaved people was greater than that of their oppressors, “we were mentally enslaved” (CNN.com). Clarified to perfection.
During an interview with Forbes this week, West explained his concept of running for president. He has decided that he will be running as a member of the “Birthday Party,” because, naturally, “when we win, it’s everybody’s birthday” (Forbes.com). West also is very concerned about a potential Covid-19 vaccine, as vaccines are “the mark of the beast…they want to put chips inside of us” (Forbes.com). Perhaps not surprising, West has some stunning views on women. ‘Nuff said.
In 2016, West was hospitalized for a “psychiatric emergency” (NYTimes.com) and opioid addiction (he became addicted as a result of liposuction) (USAToday.com). I would never disparage anyone for seeking help, but perhaps a leadership role is not in West’s best interest. Although, he’s free to try – there’s nothing in the Constitution that bars a would-be president based on “mental fitness” (Psychcentral.com).
At this point, West has missed deadlines “to be included on a number of state ballots as an independent candidate” (Fortune.com), but that doesn’t mean he won’t still make the attempt. Some could argue that West’s, famous for being famous, wife, Kim Kardashian’s adult film would pose as a detriment. But he needn’t worry: as a current president engages in public adultery and equates his genitalia to the “nuclear button” (NYTimes.com), a lack of dignity is clearly not a dealbreaker.
Democrat, Republican or Independent, our country needs a moderate, calm-thinker. We need a leader who is willing to compromise with all party lines and all people. This is not the time for over-the-top, inflammatory rhetoric. No matter who wins the presidency, we will be living in interesting times.
By this time next year, we might be paying our taxes in unbent paperclips – who knows? At least you can count on your Bourke Accounting experts to understand every new change that will affect your finances. In a chaotic world, the quiet, steady professionalism of Bourke Accounting’s bookkeepers and tax prepares never varies. Bourke Accounting’s customer service and knowledge are two things that will last.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
No one has student loan debt at Bourke Accounting. This is especially nice for me, as I’d feel kind of stupid spending 10-21 years paying off the ability to write a paper on Beowulf. Oddly enough, that’s not a talent most 9-5 jobs are really clamoring for (I know! I’m surprised, too!). Even though the current talk regarding the cancellation of student loan debt doesn’t affect us Bourkers outright, I think we’re all curious to see what happens.
Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley is a big fan of cancelling student debt. She feels that this will help to both “address racial inequalities and stimulate the economy” (Forbes.com). If every student debtor could stop chucking monthly payments down a well worth $30,000, of course, that would ease a lot of stress. Considering that student loan debt now exceeds $1.6 trillion (Forbes.com), that erasure would free up many and many dollars to rebuild the economy. All right, I’m with you so far.
College educations are good for Americans. Not only does one learn critical thinking, time management and responsibility, there’s also a lot more money to be made after graduation; the Federal Reserve reports that “college graduates earn 80% more than high school graduates” (Marketwatch.com). Obviously, an educated populace, blessed with financial solvency, would benefit the entire country. So yes, loan cancellation and free college educations would be beautiful things.
You know I hate to be the malcontent in the back of the room, but I see just a few problems with these lofty goals. Perhaps I’m puritanical, but I think debt cancellation really amounts to theft of services. So, you go to a good school, you’re taught by good teachers, you receive a good degree and then say, “Oh, being in debt is hard!” And then, the government says, “There, there, we didn’t mean to hurt your feelings! All is forgiven!” Of course college is expensive! A Tesla is, too, but I don’t hear anyone knocking on my door to hand me one.
Another problem with cancellation is the fact that school tuition is used for many things, not just a professor’s salary. When you consider utilities, security, insurance, maintenance – well, these expenditures add up. Who is going to pay for the cafeteria ice cream machine when it breaks down? And, isn’t it possible that professors would be laid off indefinitely, if that $1.6 trillion in debt just goes “poof”? Now Bernie Sanders (whom I have a mild crush on) suggests what he calls a “speculation tax, a small levy on every stock, bond or derivative sold in the US” (NPR.com) to pay for all of this. I swear I’m not pals with Ayn Rand, but wouldn’t this be penalizing those who have made solid choices? Also, this sort of seems like investors would be taxed twice. Is that fair?
Finally, as I’m petty and jealous, it would annoy me that all these people are entitled to a free education when I wasn’t (yes, yes, my parents helped a lot, but that’s not how I’m remembering it). I think people should pay their own way, within reason. For example, in Australia, student loans aren’t repaid until the borrower reaches a certain income level and there’s no interest involved (Marketwatch.com). It could be argued that some will never reach that level, leaving the debt unpaid anyway, but if Australia is still doing it, it must work.
While education is important, it’s hard. Those who would be educated must be willing to sacrifice. Much like free medical and free housing – I would love to see both – it’s simply not possible yet.
Bourke Accounting knows that education benefits everyone. However, until your student debt is erased, Bourke Accounting also knows how difficult it is to make ends meet. While your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer doesn’t have a magic word to make your life easier, they do have a lot of knowledge and a lot of advice. Why not make your world a better place by sitting down with a Bourke Accounting expert?
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Bourke Accounting doesn’t believe in body shaming. This is not because Bourke employers fear lawsuits; this is because body shaming is cruel, infantile and inappropriate. In addition, my Bourke boss, Bill, understands that a hostile work environment inevitably leads to a decrease in work production. While Bill might be a decent fella, the bottom line is still definitely important to him.
Unfortunately, not all workplace cultures avoid body shaming. In fact, at some places, body shaming is so rampant and casual that one begins to ignore it. For instance, I once had a job where comments about my weight were a daily occurrence. Being on the thinner side, I was constantly accused of being on drugs (I’m not) or having an eating disorder (I don’t). It got to the point where I began absently responding to the nickname, “Bones.”
While being equated to the Crypt Keeper didn’t make me feel great, at least I was openly insulted. For people in heavier bodies, an insult is often wrapped in “good” intentions. For example, during lunch, a co-worker can “sweetly” ask a heavier co-worker if s/he really needs another slice of pizza. The question is obviously offensive and publicly humiliating, but the co-worker can argue that it was only asked out of concern for a colleague’s health. Call me Crypt Keeper all day if it means I won’t be subjected to wide-eyed, “oops, didn’t mean to” abuse.
In early 2020, USNews.com reported that more than 40% of Americans are obese, with 1 in 10 qualifying as severely obese. Because of these statistics, it would make sense if weight discrimination in the workplace was declining. However, that’s not the case. According to a study by the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, “obese adults are 37 times” more likely to endure bias regarding employment; the severely obese are 100 times more likely (WestSoundWorkforce.com). According to Forbes.com, employers could possibly justify not hiring larger applicants, as the losses for “obesity-related absenteeism is estimated to be $8.65 billion per year.” To make everything just perfect, another study found that “61% of [poll] respondents did not consider negative remarks about weight to be offensive” (Forbes.com).
Why does body shaming exist in professional environments? The simple answer is because it’s “legal in almost all states” (Bustle.com), except for Michigan and a few scattered cities (Time.com). We all know that discrimination based on sex, race and religion is illegal, but discrimination regarding weight is okey dokey. However, there are two occasions where this sort of prejudice wouldn’t stand. For example, if weight is only mentioned in connection with one sex, there could be a basis for a sexual harassment complaint (Bustle.com). The second circumstance is if the comments “could relate to someone’s disability status” (Bustle.com), as disability discrimination is prohibited under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In my own situation, it must be admitted that my fellow employees were savages towards everyone. While I was made fun of for being too thin, my other co-workers were ridiculed for being too tall, too short, too heavy, too hairy or too stinky. We all know it’s not nice to speak negatively about a person’s appearance, so we shouldn’t do it – don’t make the workplace Eighth Grade – Part II.
Bourke Accounting professionals aren’t tacky and they know how to stay in their lane. No matter where on the spectrum your weight falls, you won’t hear about it from your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer. While Bourke Accounting specialists will have to ask you personal questions, your dietary habits will never be one of them.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Sick days are no fun (legitimate ones, anyway): moping around the house, feeling awful and, maybe for extra happy awesome time, spending a few hours in the doctor’s office. And then there’s the added bonuses of lost money and guilt for having co-workers take up the slack. Sick days are no fun.
If you think about it, a lot of America has been having a legitimate sick day for these last two months. Hopefully, you weren’t hanging out at the doc’s or feeling guilty, but there was certainly a lot of money lost.
Whether you agree with the timing or not, it seems that our country is going to be reopening very soon. Within a few weeks, if luck is with us, life is slowly going to return to normal. Well, at least to the extent that backyard barbeques can be planned again. However, we are going to be facing long-lasting and far-reaching financial issues that won’t be as easily solved as deciding between hot dogs or hamburgers.
First, let’s start with the enormous hospital bill corona will leave for us. According to a study reported by CNBC.com, the average cost of a coronavirus hospital stay is $30,000. Some insurance companies have promised that patients won’t have to pay “deductibles, copays…and other charges” (Marketwatch.com) associated with the virus. That’s nice, but some companies are free to decide not to promise anything. And what about the uninsured? When all is said and done, it’s projected that about 2 million uninsured people will end up hospitalized (CNBC.com). The White House announced that “funding under recently passed legislation [will be used] to help cover the cost of treating the uninsured” (CNBC.com). It’s great, it’s tremendous, it’s the best! Oh, um, but, at some point, all of this money has to be replaced somehow, right?
Obviously, raising income taxes right now wouldn’t really work – you can’t squeeze a brick and expect a Tequila Sunrise. Also, raising sales taxes wouldn’t help the economy, either – the hardest hit individuals would just buy less.
Naturally, as an off-white collar worker, my first thought is to tax corporations and the wealthy. They can afford it! Sadly, we’re treading in murky waters and, what might have worked in the past, might not work today. Let’s say that everyone goes back to work and everyone is happy and secure again. Then, companies are told to pay a lot more in taxes for doing business. I’m not going to say Big Business is ruthless, but who would suffer the most on account of these taxes? If companies can lay off a large number of employees to offset their IRS bills, face it, they will. Instead of having a Depression–like economy, we might see ourselves in a Depression-Depression economy.
Forbes.com mentions the possibility of a “one-time levy on existing wealth” for the richest taxpayers. I’m not trying to sound like Ayn Rand here, but I don’t know if that’s totally fair, either. Rich people buy stuff, rich people pay tax on stuff, then they must pay another tax because they have so much stuff? Bloomberg.com suggests that perhaps taxing “individuals and companies differently depending on how well they fared during the lockdown” would be a suitable alternative. I agree. I wouldn’t mind paying a bit extra to help, as I’ve been writing and filing in my own little safe bubble throughout this thing.
No matter how we go about paying for the pandemic, it won’t be totally painless. We must understand that “this too shall pass” and keep everything in calm perspective. What’s the alternative?
While Bourke Accounting has no input regarding tax changes, they will be well-versed in new laws before you even sit down. Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers will happily take the time to make sure you understand everything about our quickly transitioning world. And, as always, you know that you will receive the most effective and comprehensive service available.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Announcer: From Generation X, the generation that brought you Grunge, wholesale tattoos, piercings and a cynical world view, let’s all welcome a complete lack of retirement plans!
Audience of Gen Xers: Yaa – wait, what’d he say?
Bill over here at Bourke Accounting randomly gives me interesting articles. Yesterday, he gave me one that hit close to home. This one was from The Week (2/14/20 edition) entitled “Slacking on Retirement.” The plight of the non-retirement saving Gen Xer was exposed in less than two paragraphs, but the repercussions are far more wide-reaching, I’m sorry to say.
First off, if you didn’t know, Generation X encompasses everyone born between 1965 and 1980. Gen X was known for stripped down music, social consciousness, a loveless relationship with materialism and, yes, slamming pieces of metal into places they weren’t intended. We questioned our parents’ life choices and were left cold by the idea of cubicle work. And, I must admit, the “slacker” stereotype seems to be haunting us, still.
According to Fool.com, “50% of Gen Xers don’t have a retirement saving account.” What’s more, the 13% who do have one don’t contribute to it. However, this is not just a simple matter of slackers being slackers. While this generation does work, there are other obstacles standing in the way of viable retirement plans. These obstacles are, most notably, “inadequate income…housing costs, supporting other family members and health care” (Marketwatch.com). Furthermore, some are trying to put kids through college while also taking care of aging parents. We have to ask ourselves: did we wait too long to start planning?
Yes. Yes, we did. A scary concept is that a lot of Gen Xers are vaguely planning on living off Social Security when they retire. Cool story, but Social Security is “reportedly on track to be depleted by 2034” (Forbes.com). Which is probably why “more than half of Generation X plans to work in retirement” (Marketwatch.com). This, of course, is probably going to prove a hardship to the generations coming up. I’m not suggesting that we of the healing nose ring scars should move out of the way because, really, we can’t. Sorry, Millennials.
So, what do we do? We start saving now. It’s going to be a quick and dirty mad dash to retirement, but it’s our only choice. Does your company have a 401(k)? Utilize that. Can you cut corners regarding purchases? Cut away, brethren, cut away. It’s a little late in the day, but Money.com suggests putting money into the stock market. While this is generally meant for younger workers, as “even if there is an economic downturn there will be plenty of time” (Money.com) for investments to grow, it could work for us, too. Some of us are looking at 20 plus years more of employment, after all.
A lot of us Gen Xers messed up, but it’s not too late to save yourself and your money. Come see a Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer and let them lead you to a happy and secure retirement. A Bourke Accounting professional can help with your newfound love of planning for the future and, if you’re very nice, maybe they’ll show you their tattoos.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Dedication is a funny thing. There are some people out there who are willing to suffer, and sometimes die, for their passion. For example, Ludwig Van composed his “greatest works…including the Ninth Symphony” (Hyperhistory.com) while completely deaf. Marie Curie died of “aplastic anemia from exposure to radiation” (Wikipedia.org) caused by her research. And then there’s Ronnie Lott.
I don’t watch the Super Bowl, but I am aware enough to know that it just happened. It reminded me of a story my best friend, a hardcore football fan (and former player), once told me about a football player who broke his finger during a game. Because this gentleman was concerned about not being able to play, he had the doc cut off said broken finger. When my friend told me about Ronnie Lott, I could see that maniacal glint of the true believer in his eye. My friend seemed almost wistful that, besides his knees, he couldn’t sacrifice more to the game.
In 1981, Lott was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers where he went on to “win eight division titles and four Super Bowls” (Wikipedia.org). There is also a trophy named after Mr. Lott that “is the only college football award to…recognize athletic performance and the player’s personal character attributes” (NBClosangeles.com). In addition, Mr. Lott “was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000” (Fanbuzz.com). These are really impressive achievements. But what was that about an amputated finger again?
I had heard that Mr. Lott broke his pinky during a game and then had the doctor amputate it in the locker room so he could return to the game, unencumbered. This is only sort of true. While it is factual that he broke his finger and it is factual that he returned to the game with it taped up, Mr. Lott didn’t have some bizarre Dr. Frankenstein hack his finger off amid dirty jockstraps.
According to Dan Brown, author of “100 Things 49ers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die,” Mr. Lott was given the choice to go through a long surgery that would keep him sidelined for a minute or to have his finger amputated just above the first joint. He chose the second option and was back in time for the 1986 football season.
This sort of dedication is admirable, but is it good for you? How much are you willing to give up for a job, no matter how passionate you may be about it? Forbes.com suggests that if you give too much, your “tireless work ethic” will not be valued, as everyone is so “used to seeing you killing yourself.” It becomes rather a situation like: Ho hum, Employee A worked all weekend. Again. In addition, according to Forbes.com, your blind dedication can cause you to pass up offers that could turn out to be better for you in the long run. Dedication and loyalty are great things, just not if they mean you end up hurting yourself.
I don’t have to tell you how dedicated Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are. During this tax season, our Bourke Accounting reps are giving up family and free time to make sure that your financial needs are well met. However, as devoted as they are, they still understand that there are more important things in this life than the job – just try to keep Bill in the office if his pup, Loretta, gets sick! At Bourke Accounting, we’re willing to sacrifice for the game, just not all the way.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
I have conducted job interviews and I have hated it. In the beginning, I wanted to hire everyone who walked through the door. It took 3 bad disappointments to make me not want to hire anyone. For example, there was the guy who couldn’t figure out how to operate a cup. A drinking cup. A plain, plastic cup. He smelled like a chemical explosion occurred at his house 10 minutes before his interview but, to be fair, once I transferred his water to a mug, he got the hang of it.
I admit that I was burned out. Eventually, if someone showed up wearing a shirt and didn’t have anything too terrible on that pesky police record, they had a job. I once asked thoughtful questions. After a while, I queried: if you were a can of soup, what kind of soup would you be? Some laughed and gave me a random answer. Some stared blankly at me until I changed tact and questioned their attendance at their last job.
There’s no doubt about it – no matter what side of the table you happen to find yourself, it’s a hellacious experience. Obviously, asking about what kind of animal, soup or car one would be are stupid questions that don’t give any information about the person being interviewed. And, it must be remembered, that the person interviewed for a job is not necessarily the employee you’ll encounter 6 months down the road (I had a boss who was convinced that he had, in actuality, interviewed my classy twin sister). During interviews, we try to present ourselves as engaged, intelligent and super duper sweet. Overtime? Sure, no problem! Nooo, I don’t have an issue working a weekend here and there. We tend to agree to anything if the job looks good enough.
So, as an employer, how do you know what to ask that will really tell you something about your prospective employee? The February 2020 issue of The HR Specialist included some of their readers’ favorite interview questions. For example, “What is the biggest work disaster you’ve been a part of? What role did you play?” The person who posed this question pointed out that if you don’t get a straight answer, that tells you a lot. However, if you do get a straight answer, you “learn even more.”
Another good question, also provided to us by TheHRspecialist.com, asks “what kind of supervisor brings out your peak performance?” This is a great question because it forecasts to the employer what the prospective employee expects and wants in a boss. If the employee says that only a laidback, hippie boss will do and you happen to be an anal-retentive curmudgeon, you’re probably going to experience some friction if you continue with the hiring process. I think this question is probably the most important for both employer and employee.
Obviously, the first question to a would-be employee is: can you do the job? After that, you have to find out if your personality will match with the employee. Of course, this is difficult to ascertain within the confines of a 15-minute interview, but, come on, we all sort of know within 15 minutes if someone gets on our last nerve or not.
As someone who interviewed with both Christina and Bill, I can tell you that they’re not scary. In fact, all of our Bourke Accounting professionals are quite charming. They might ask some difficult questions, but it’s not to torture you. Like the adage that I just made up says: Tell your accountant and bookkeeper the truth or suffer the IRS. Your Bourke Accounting expert doesn’t want to cause you stress, they’re here to help, after all.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.