Grrr, work grumpy, feel free to ignore. We have a project bringing up 10 locations. It is a lot of stuff to do all at once and we have a really good working relationship with the vendor doing the equipment side while we do the software side. If I am on site and he needs something hardware done, I do it for him. IF he is on site and I need something software done, he does it for me. They have a new project manager who seems devoted to having some one person to hold responsible, but really she wants us to engage in a blame game. There is no way I am going to throw the other side under the bus. We are both responsible for making it happen and we are working together to make it happen despite considerable obstacles.

After a number of emails I wrote the following to clarify -

"X and the staff of Y are all working closely together. We cover each other's backs. If I am on site and I can configure something for X I am happy to do so. If X is on site and he can configure something for us he does so. Both sides are completely avoiding any 'not my job' behaviors because we are on the same page, which is get all the centers up and fully functional as soon as possible.

Her response -

"Yes, that does explain why we are in situation we are in as a company."

I am not responding because I can no longer be politically correct. No, I am not going to point fingers and say it is his fault if some deadline isn't met, and he isn't playing that game either. Fortunately we both have the really head honcho's confidence.

Thank you for letting me vent. I just hate "who can I blame" people.

Ugh. Forgive my curmudgeonliness but this kind of immaturity seems epidemic these days. (offa my lawn y'all)

The sad bit is, people like that don't seem to understand that such behavior is the number one fastest way to ensure that no one will ever have HER back.

I support your choice to not engage because, honestly, that way lies madness. There is no way to win, except to not play the game. (#war games)

I'm just glad you have such a symbiotic relationship with X. That's a thing to cherish.

She really is not making any friends with the many people who are working crazy hours to solve problems together. No doubt she has fans in the 9-5, let me check my job description first, crowd.

Ha! Just got an email from other vendor who agrees completely to not engage. Fortunately we both have support from TPTB. We really don't have time for politics. We have actual work to do.

I can't even being to put words to the rage inducing client I've been dealing with for months now. I'd rant, but I don't even know where to begin. Right now I just want them to get our travel reimbursement done, it's currently close to $40,000 of travel that they are behind on paying.

We really don't have time for politics. We have actual work to do.

Amen.

It really has been working for me lately to not engage crazy. It's not quite as satisfying as dropping truth bombs, but it shortens the time between stimulus and peace significantly.

Oh god, ND. I totally get the rage and stress.

I pushed to get a gov't contract check paid for weeks, frantic over a couple of enormous tax checks in process.

The check arrived at midnight. The two tax checks? Cleared exactly NINETY minutes later.

I nearly threw up.

Inefficiency may be more incompetence than malice, but the outcome is the same!

Right now I just want them to get our travel reimbursement done

At least this client has been really good about the payment side. I do have those that aren't. Most of our billing is subscription where they pay a set amount each and every month. I have one that for years I have to hassle each and every month. One of these days I am going to tell them to put me on autopay or find another vendor. You work your ass off for them, the least they can do is pay the damn bill.

Reason #8459 I love my husband. He wrote back to control freak bitch copying me and the other vendor and the big cheese of the organization. Started with thanking her for her keen interest blah blah blah. Said he and only only he was ultimately responsible for hits or misses on the project. Then proceeded to detail solutions. Bye Bye Miss Blame Game.

Your tagline seems even more appropriate in this situation.

All right, my mavens. Due to my change in work circumstances, I am basically now self-employed for the first time in my life. I know I need to start saving for quarterly taxes, itemize expenses, etc. Any apps or software y'all recommend for tracking? Should I formally registered myself as an LLC or something? Online resources you like?

Thanks! I'm a little worried about the additional responsibilities but I think it'll be fine.