I thought legally salaried folk got comp time at least for weekend work. Is there anyone you can check with?

Er, no, supposedly if you are salaried, you work whatever hours they need. Comp time is NOT supposed to happen. Though often employers do go "Wow, you've been working crazy hours, take a day off" However, likewise, if you have to go out for a two hour doctor appointment, if you are salaried you shouldn't have to take sick or vacation time. But often you still have to anyway. It's ridic.

I got positive feedback on my interview yesterday!! They have to talk it over with teh people in charge, because I am admittedly a little light on the stuff they need, but the guy liked me and thinks I can pick it up, so fingers are crossed.

So anyone got a suggestion of how to find an accountant? I will email a few people here who might know/have one, but...I want to know what I need to do to set up from the start, in addition to having someone down the line to do my taxes or whatever.

Meara is right. Basically, the idea is that salaried people are paid for the work, while hourly are paid for the hours they put in. Salaried folks may have job requirements which keep them in the office for a normal shift, but they still have to work weekends or evenings if the work to be finished requires it. I know I do--but I do get to take lunch or leave early whenever I want, too.

I guess what's legal and what's common practice are often different depending on the company. It would seem that most of the places I've worked have been pretty generous that way, then. Bummer, Aimee.

meara, your situation may be different, but I really didn't have to do anything to set up as an independent contractor. Admittedly, we don't have an accountant do the taxes (*sigh*).

You may want to look into setting up an SEP plan if you're going to be self-employed for a while. It's a retirement plan, and you can contribute up to 20% of your pre-tax earnings.

meara, email Pete for the contact info of our accountant. We've worked with him for years and years.

I'm feeling crappy this morning, including chills and headache, so I took my temperature: 98.3. A few days ago I was feeling not quite so crappy as today and my temperature was 97.9. Am I running a fever?

Nope. Not to diminish you feeling bad but that's not a fever. My doctor friend would say not until it's 100 or over does it count.

If you're going to work for them long term, meara, they may handle taking care of the taxes for you. I worked for Chrysler as an independent contractor for a year and a half. They had me fill out time sheets like their permanent employees and took all the necessary pay out of my check for me.

Nope, Sail, this would be a I-have-to-pay-all-the-taxes kinda thing. But it would be lots of money, so that'd make up for some of it. :)

Thanks for the rec, Jilli, I have emailed him, and a couple other friends I have here who might have some suggestions. Eep.

Dana, the company I'd work for requires that I get professional insurance, and set up as a company (though it looks like setting up an LLC is pretty easy. I hope.)

the company I'd work for requires that I get professional insurance, and set up as a company

Ah, that's right. I still recommend the SEP thing.

But it would be lots of money, so that'd make up for some of it.

That's what counts! I'm considered a contractor right now, but I work through an agency, so they handle all the pay issues for me, insurance, etc. Much better pay than I'd make actually working for a lot of places, but the lack of paid vacation other than major holidays sucks.