It all started on December 1^st, when SSC Director Alistair Preensworth called an emergency meeting. The email subject had read: “URGENT: Let's make this Christmas EXTRA special!”

Here is a riff of a popular TV series from the UK. Let’s see if you can guess the name of the original!

Friday. The day I live for, and also the day I dread. Everyone across Europe suddenly remembers they had payroll issues that "need to be fixed before the weekend". Sure, let me just wave my magic wand.

Today’s drama came courtesy of the British Sales team. They "forgot" to submit their timesheets, as if this is some sort of optional activity. HR is now chasing them down, which is like watching a slow-motion car crash.

Ah, direct deposits. The thing that should make life easier but instead manages to ruin it spectacularly. The U.S. bank we work with decided to "upgrade" their system, which apparently is American English for "let’s mess with payroll."

Today’s crisis? The overtime apocalypse. Apparently, the Spanish team decided to work extra hours last week — except for Miguel, who worked zero overtime but somehow billed for 20 hours. I’m beginning to think Miguel believes in time travel.

Another Monday in the SSC, where I manage a payroll team for Europe and question my life choices. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to handle payroll for multiple countries, imagine juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle — over a pit of hungry alligators.