<prompt> Human: I make 55k a year CAN, small company of about 13 employees. I work as an illustratorsculptor for a metal casting company molds. A month ago the only other designer left the company, leaving me with the extra work. Ive been working evenings and a bit on weekends to make up the work. He told me they probably wont hire a new designer until March. I told him I dont wanna give up my own time anymore, and basically I need to get paid for the work I do on the wknds I have a daughter and my wife is pregnant with our 2nd. He told me to give him an offer I havent yet, but both times weve spoke about this, he tries to sell me on gift cards, claiming it will benefit me come tax time instead of a raise? How much of this is bullshit? What are the chances they will just write off the gift cards? Im guessing it benefits the company more than me. What should I do? I need to talk to him before end of day. Im debating asking for 15k raise based on extra time worked, complexity of art, and what other designers charge freelance for this type of work. But... I was kind of expecting a raise soon, so I afraid they will say this is my raise, even though this is only extra for the extra hours. Literally have no idea what to do. Thanks  <response>: I dont know about Canada but in the US this is illegal and tax evasion. They are basically trying to get around taxing your earnings. In the US companies are supposed to run gift cards through payroll so earnings tax is withheld on them. I highly doubt this is what your manager is going to do. 