Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Story of the Payday Countdown

If you follow me on Twitter or we're friends on Facebook or Myspace you've seen the Ken Carr Payday Countdown. It is the most asked about / commented on thing I do online. If you haven't seen it, about 3-4 days before each payday I post updates listing the number of hours and minutes left until my next payday and the tragedy that an empty wallet may be causing at that moment. There's a story behind it.

Every status post I write has a little bit of humor and a little bit of truth. That also applies to the payday countdown.

I was affected as were many at my company by a significant pay cut earlier this year. The company had to do it to stay healthy in an awful economy. I am not bitter about it. It is what it is. I am grateful to be working.

It has made making it to the next paycheck much more challenging. I've cut a lot of expenses in my own life to reflect less income. I'm in the same boat as many people these days.

I started the payday countdown one pay period after budget cuts when I was out of money. It was a way to make myself feel better through some humor and created some entertainment for everyone who reads my updates on the social networking sites.

Its fascinating how something born of a little tragedy ended up taking on a life of its own. I actually get crap from people now if I don't do it. A lot of people aren't sure if I make up what I say when I do the countdown. Like I said before, its a little bit of humor and a little bit of truth. As I write this I have 3 cheese slices and nearly empty bottle of ketchup in my refrigerator. But I get paid in a couple of days and life goes on.

I hope you find the humor in the payday countdowns. And, I accept cash. Right before every other Thursday!