by Don Taylor

"Don, I want to tell you how one of my employees cost himself a $2,000 raise," the letter read. Then in one page of clear, concise terms the writer of the letter - a savvy business owner and friend - told me the story.

It made me think back to my early work years. Was I guilty of similar indiscretions? I remembered several jobs where I'd made it easy for my bosses to keep me from being overpaid, jobs where I got no raise or promotion.

My friend's letter pointed out only one way employees can steal from their own success. When I considered turning this topic into a column, I talked with other business owners and managers. Between us we came up with several ways folks can limit their salaries and success.

• Arrive late and leave early. If you arrive five minutes late every morning and leave just 10 minutes early each evening, you've saved yourself more than one and a half week's work each year. It's like getting eight free vacation days. Of course, your employer may view it as you missing more than 60 hours of work.
• Stretch your lunch hour and breaks. If you take an extra-long lunch hour just once a week - say just an extra 30 minutes - you avoid working another 25 hours each year. A great time to do this is when the boss is gone.
• Make a lot of personal phone calls. Call your sister, your spouse and any friends you haven't talked to since yesterday. It does make your day go faster. Your boss probably won't even notice if you make your calls when he or she is on the phone, too.

One business owner told me about an employee who would spend an hour on the phone calling all over town to find the cheapest price on something. That person often bragged to other employees how easy it was to find bargains. The owner lamented that the employee spent 10 dollars' worth of "work" time to save a "personal" dollar.

• Do a little Internet surfing and sharpen up your computer game skills. This will speed up your workday. One company executive said he thought it was healthy for employees to spend time surfing the Internet during work hours. Want to guess what business this executive was in?
• Do only what you're told to do. You can't be blamed for not doing something you weren't told to do, can you? The safest way to keep your current pay level is to do only what you're told.
• Don't build your skills. Why bother to become a better communicator? No one ever listens to you. Why learn the new computer software? It will be outdated in two years. Besides, if you do more, someone may actually expect you to do more all the time.
• Don't worry about your attitude. If the boss asks you to do something urgent, show your irritation at the interruption with a scowl and a sigh.
• Look like a minimum-wage worker. Relax about the hair and those body piercings. Wear your low-rider jeans and sneakers. Look cool. It's a free country.

Follow these tips and I'll guarantee the results. Your boss will not fight so hard for your next raise. In fact, he or she may not fight at all. After all, it's no crime to steal from yourself.