May I have a raise?

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.

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 the current economic down turn has had a negative impact on sales, but you must also take into consideration my hard work, pro- activeness and loyalty to this company for over a decade.
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, what companies were after you?

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

:-)
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