My buddy learned that "solid thunk" lesson the hard way last year.

Yeah, that "hit from the start" thing is a total illusion for so many shows. I remember being shocked when I found out Seinfeld almost got axed after its first season.

How much did you set aside for taxes on your first big check? @jenkins.alice is right about that separate account, I did the same thing. I actually opened a second savings account just for tax money so I wouldn't even see it with my regular cash. Made my quarterly payment way less stressful.

That's the worst, when the usual method just refuses to work. It's like how some stains need way more elbow grease than others for no clear reason. You just have to keep trying stuff until something clicks.

Pack for the locker, not the trip.