So you made it through the want ads, jumped through hoops to write a résumé, aced the job interview, and got the job of your dreams. Well, maybe not THE job of your dreams, but an okay job that pays real money.

Now it's finally payday - that magical day you've worked for all week. And here comes the boss handing out the pay envelopes at each desk.

Wow! At last, you have your first real paycheck in your hands. You carefully tear open the envelope, thinking about all the things you've planned to do with the money. Then what?

Are you happy when you see the amount of the check? Or are you shocked and discouraged?

If you aren't sure what to expect on payday, the information in this section is especially for you. Don't leave for work without reading these next three articles:

Payday at Last!