Stories from freelance dog behaviourists to meal suggestion junkies, we have compiled some amusing stories to give you a diversion from the trials of IR35, tax avoidance schemes and client ghosting. Given our freelancer audience, we have taken the liberty of linking the relevance to freelance life.
Taking ‘above and beyond’ too far
First, we share a video story from the Instagram account Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, courtesy of dog behaviourist Graeme Hall, also known as “The Dogfather”.
Here we meet 6-pound Pomeranian Vinnie, or as he prefers to be called… Vincenzo 🐶
He doesn’t just have expensive taste… he has delusions of royalty, according to Graeme.
“We’re talking pan-seared steak, fresh scallops, and smoked salmon. Not only does his family cook every meal from scratch… they chew it for him. Yes. They. Pre-chew. His steak!”
Vinnie can perhaps be likened to those over demanding people in your life (from family members to co-workers to clients) who could do with a forkful of reality and get off their high horses.
Watch to see for yourselves, but don’t miss those knowing looks from Graeme. They’re priceless.
Would you work for cake?
Chasing payments as a freelancer is a common pain. But in some markets, freelancers get paid on time, but not in cash, but with the unexpected.
In sunny Spain, I have known people to get paid in oranges. In India, freelancer Harnoor Saluja was expecting money after sending in an invoice, but instead received a cheesecake. According to the Economic Times, her hilarious LinkedIn post about being ‘paid’ in dessert went gone viral, sparking witty reactions and a deeper conversation about freelancer payments.
“What’s for dinner?”
You’d think we would all get the hang of what to make for dinner since we have to do it day in and day out. However, when you are a freelancer up against a deadline and have too much on your plate, the dinner plate can end up empty. That’s why sometimes, if you are the chief meal maker, you need to give yourself a break and offer a fast and fun alternative. You may even bring a few unexpected smiles (or raised eyebrows).
Here’s one suggestion made by @WHATSFORDlNNER: a banana sandwich. Now, this is a no-nonsense British version. We admit we giggled at the first sight of the pic. Sad sarnie or so simple, it’s brilliant? We just know someone out there is going to layer some crisps in this version.
However, you could easily elevate this by spreading the butter on the outside slice of each piece of bread and frying the sandwich or putting it in a sandwich maker. Top this sweet grilled sarnie with some maple syrup and whipped cream, and who’s laughing now?
No one likes a copycat
No freelancer appreciates when someone pinches their idea. Even if it can be considered as a form of flattery. But some thieves don’t know when to stop.
Leo, a New Zealand cat, has gained notoriety for his peculiar habit of stealing underwear and other clothing items from his neighbours, earning him the moniker “Leonardo da Pinchy.” Unlike a typical housecat seeking cuddles or treats, Leo’s true desire seems to be building a collection of pilfered garments.
The feline’s unusual behaviour has brought both amusement and a touch of bewilderment to his community.
According to an Associated Press report, “He’s got expensive taste. His frequent hauls include silk boxer shorts, thick men’s work socks — preferably with clothespins still attached — and in one mortifying episode for his humans, a brand-new 300 New Zealand dollar ($181) cashmere sweater.”
His owner has since put out alerts on social media and WhatsApp so people can claim and collect their stolen wares.
“He only wants stuff that he shouldn’t have,” his owner said, who is concerned that he could start a kitty crime ring if he is encouraged to socialise with neighbourhood cats.
“He might teach another cat to do this,” his owner said.
Andy, you’re doing our heads in. Please get back to work
Some jobs require workers to be on-site or office-based, especially if they are consumer-facing roles. Yet, that does not mean those who can handle their work from home effectively are “skiving” or “validating laziness” as political commentator Andy Preston would like his realm of influence to believe.
Here’s his take on things, according to his LinkedIn post. Don’t worry, you don’t have to change out of your pyjamas to read on. In fact, we beg you to keep those jammies on and call in to Andy’s segment on LBC.
Working from home encourages skiving, so it’s great news that almost all of us are heading back to the office.
The damage done by mass home working is has devastated mental health and productivity. In government and council departments accountability has simply vanished. In almost all cases working from home doesn’t work . It validates laziness, weakens teams and it removes the in-person interaction that drives results.
I’ve been saying this for three years and the smart businesses are doing it. Today, HSBC told its senior bosses: be in the office at least four days a week 👏🏻
Private companies get it because profit, performance and culture matter. But other sectors will drag their heels.
Councils and government departments need to wake up too and get people back to the office.
Do you agree – or are you sat at the kitchen table in your pyjamas 😂
-Andy
ps I am on Iain Dale’s LBC show tonight at 8pm discussing stuff in the news, there are some great guests and it should be a really interesting show.
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