Side money

In this economy (a phrase you hear often these days), one can definitely use some side money, honest way of course. I ran into this article on how to earn side money. It’s UK based, but some of the pointers could be used in other parts of the world.

I myself am looking for one, in an honest decent way and not hindering work, and not in a sneaky way either. I’d like to write about a sneaky way that happens a lot in my world, which is asking for commission from any suppliers for the supply the company, or commission after recommending a product or service. The temptation of being procurement staff.

And ooh the temptation. Just the other day blind supplier slipped 300k rups in my hand as ‘gratitude’. I gave it back and said just give me a discount the next time I order. That’s a fairly small order. Imagine the amount of money I would get from a big order, and it’s known that on big purchase you’re entitled to get 5% commission.

But money doesn’t come easy, not even commission. It became something like a bond, everytime you need that product you have to go back to the same supplier. If this is the best supplier, fine, if it’s not and the company caught this ‘under the table money’ practice, you’re risking your job.

A friend of mine who designs knick-knacks and low budget jewelry is a bit stuck in this matter. In one of networking effort she met a guy who could recommend her to a store, and of course there’s the commission if the store agree to display her stuff. She’s stuck when after a couple of month she has to pay the commission every time she gets payment from the store. I told her that’s already too much, he’s ripping her off and she should tell the greedy mole to go away.

I’m keeping my eyes and ears open for opportunities. Maybe I should be more active, but somehow it won’t feel right for the company. Of course I won’t do this during working hours, strictly off working hours and weekends.

Nyepi trip

After staying in Bali for Nyepi for 2 years in a row this year I decided to flee the island and have a mini break. Destination: Malang (East Java).

Us, three ladies board the bus on Friday afternoon (3.12) in Ubung terminal and started our journey. I didn’t have time to grab anything to eat, and then during it’s rough turn all of a sudden I felt my head spinning (never that bad!) and hurriedly I grabbed my bag and rushed to the back of the bus. At the claustrophobic room I threw up (eww). It was weird, because the symptoms were completely different from what I usually had. Well, I guess I get to learn something new about my body.

The rest of the trip went well, arrived in Malang at 5am, picked up by G’s father and we had a good rest on a flat bed (finally).

By 10 am we were all sober and ready for our first tour, which is Bale Kambang. Quite a journey (3 hour ride). The place was packed, mostly by Javanese Hindus who were doing ceremony for Nyepi (Seclusion day). I suggested we have lunch there because it was already 2pm, and the road there was hardly any place to eat.

After lunch we rushed to Sendang Biru, which was another long drive. When we got there it was already 6 so we missed sunset. The beach is small, crowded with small boats that could take you across to Pulau Sempu or circling it for 100k. All in all it was a good trip. Long drive, would be better not to squeeze them in 1 day.

Day 2 was city trip. Went to pasar (my favourite) and visited Museum Bentoel (cigarette factory). Had lunch at Rawon Nguling. It was excellent. Big portion (even after sharing we still have left over) and tasted reaaally good.

Day 3. Early morning we got up and headed for Mount Bromo. Quite interesting, they don’t permit you to bring your own vehicle, but have to rent from the Koperasi (local corporation). Package ride is 275k include Penanjakan and crater. I thought we were going to climb and hike, but we didn’t. It was a short hike at Penanjakan and you’ll find yourself in an established viewing spot to wait until dawn break and you can watch magnificent view of mountains. It was cloudy/misty, but the view was still wonderful. I could stay there all day, but we had to continue.

We rode back on the landy and the driver took us to see the sea sand to climb up the crater. It was quite a walk, 2k 1way. They provide horses, official price was 100k, but as you start walking the horse owners will follow you and offer you ‘under the table’ price. Half way they were even willing to get paid for 20k only. But not us, we were determined to walk our way up. It sure was exhausting, but worth it, the crater was interesting, just remember don’t inhale so much, it’s poisonous.

Since it was still early my friend decided to add waterfall trip. I was surprised, and a bit annoyed since I was not ready for hiking that include walking on streams. So there I was, hiking bare feet. I was too proud to borrow the guide’s sandal. When the waterfall came to view I just stared and absorb the view and announced that I wasn’t going to finish and will just return. Figure I’ve seen enough. I was too stubborn to wait for the guide and went back by myself. Quite a challenge to find the correct path, but I made it in one piece, thank God. Note: never try that or you’ll get bristles.

The last day in Malang we only ride around town, checked out China town and did some shopping. By 5 we were back on the bus, ready to get back. This time it was worse. No, I didn’t throw up (:p), but due to Nyepi in Bali the ferry can only enter at 4am. So there we were, arrived at the port around midnight and already there were queue. We finally aboard on the ferry at 8am. 8 hours of wait, and the bus kept running (pooh.. talk about environmentally friendly).

Sure had a good time in Malang. Hmm.. where shall we go next year? :)

tax.. oh tax..

Who in this world would have a love relationship with tax? I think a lot of people loathe the idea of being checked by the tax office. Oh not me, I voluntarily went there to have my report checked. There wasn’t any change from the previous year, but I wasn’t sure and went to see my AR (Account Representative) and have her checked my report.

After some chatting she told me that the calculation I used was not to be applied in my working circumstance. In other words, she gave me the wrong calculation. She took a new blank form and walked me through from monthly salary, total salary p.a., calculate percentage and lo and behold, I owe the government 4.5 mill rups. And that’s not the end of it. She asked for my 2008 report, re-calculated with the same formula, and gladly announced I owe 6,3 mill rups and have to submit correctional form.

I was in shock. I completely understood the calculation, but how did she misunderstood my explanation and resulting me owing the government 10.8 million rups??!! And she didn’t even apologize for that mistake. Argggghhh...... As a consolation she told me right now I just need to pay the amount owed for 2009, and deal with 2008 later. Yeah of course, that doesn’t really help.

This created a disaster in my financial situation, especially when I’m trying to rearrange everything, from income, spending, paying tax, etc. Maybe I should have just kept quiet and submit my tax report on the drop box? But of course that doesn’t solve the problem, as it will arise sooner or later. But I really hope she’s right and stick to the calculation, and not another misunderstanding and changing it again the next time I go there. It sure cost me a lot.