This employee needed a raise, so he had to have that big talk with the boss that we all hate having. But this guy had a trick up his sleeve.

Employee: Excuse me sir, may I talk to you?

Boss: Sure, come on in. What can I do for you?

Employee: Well sir, as you know, I have been an employee of this prestigious firm for over ten years.

Boss: Yes, and we’re glad to have you with us.

Employee: I won’t beat around the bush. Sir, I would like a raise. I currently have four companies after me and so I decided to talk to you first.

Boss: A raise? I would love to give you a raise, but this is just not the right time.

Employee: I understand your position, and I know that these are rough times economically, but you must also take into consideration my hard work, pro-activeness and loyalty to this company for over a decade. I want to keep working here, but that needs to go both ways.

Boss: Taking into account these factors, and considering I don’t want to start a brain drain, I’m willing to offer you a ten percent raise and an extra five days of vacation time. How does that sound?

Employee: Great! It’s a deal! Thank you, sir!

Boss: Before you go, just out of curiosity, which companies were after you?

Employee: Oh, the Electric Company, Gas Company, Water Company and the Mortgage Company!

A deal’s a deal.