It's so nice to get a paycheck from an employer -
on time and without hounding them!
This should be the standard, but it's not anymore.
Since 2007, myself and most freelancers have experienced changes in treatment of employees and disinterest in paying people on time. Common replies to inquiries about paychecks are:
"You will be paid when I am paid."
"Did you submit a timecard?"
"We cannot find your invoice, you will have to resubmit."
"The checks did not arrive today."
I never had to worry about simply being paid just a few years ago. Below, are some questions I recommend all artists ask when negotiating the statement of work with prospective employers. Good luck and get it all in writing because the person you spoke to might not work there anymore, by the time you are due a check.
Start Date
End Date
Possible Hold Dates
Rate
(Hourly plus OT defined specifically in writing. I advise against agreeing to day rates because studios will pro rate the day rate against OT to make it legal and you will be making a fraction of what you think you are)
Pay Schedule - when will you be paid?
How will I be paid during a holiday - Arrangements for payment when office might be closed
Invoice/Timesheet Deadlines
Contact Info - Name and email of Bookkeeper/Accountant
It's also good to memorize the California State Work Policy in case a studio is asking you to wait 30-45 day for a paycheck because it's against the law. .
In California, wages, must be paid at least twice during each calendar month on the days designated in advance as regular paydays. The employer must establish a regular payday and is required to post a notice that shows the day, time and location of payment. Labor Code Section 207 Wages earned between the 1st and 15th days, inclusive, of any calendar month must be paid no later than the 26th day of the month during which the labor was performed, and wages earned between the 16th and last day of the month must be paid by the 10th day of the following month. Other payroll periods such as weekly, biweekly (every two weeks) or semimonthly (twice per month) when the earning period is something other than between the 1st and 15th, and 16th and last day of the month, must be paid within seven calendar days of the end of the payroll period within which the wages were earned.