<prompt> Human: I recently took a job in the Tampa Bay area, it is a really good opportunity in the field that I am going to school for, and the salary is pretty good. The problem is that the owner told all the employees that our paychecks due on 915 we are paid the first and fifteenth of every month were going to be a little late he told us this on 914. On friday last week923, we still werent paid, and he apologized and promised us backpay as soon as he gets money coming in. The other employees that have been here longer than me dont trust him, and say that this kind of thing has happened before. Im looking for another job already, but am owed roughly 4K in pay and am scared that if I quit to take another job, I wont hear from this guy again. Whats the best course to take to protect myself, and ensure I get paid what Im owed, even if I quit? Can I sue for this kind of thing? Is it even practical for that small amount of money?  <response>: Sounds to me he has some serious cash flow issues. Any money you are owed, he has to pay even if you quit. You put in the hours to earn it. If he tries not to pay you, report him to your local department of labor. Make sure you are keeping record of your hours and pay owed 