Keeping your own record of your work is a powerful tool. It is your proof. You don’t need anything fancy, just a small notebook you can keep with you. This is your personal record to make sure you are paid every dollar you earn.

What to Write Down Every Day

Use a new page for each week. Write down:

**Date:** The full date you worked (Example: May 23, 2024).

**Start Time:** The exact time you started working. Include “am” or “pm.” (Example: 8:58 am).

**Break Times:** Write down when you started and ended any unpaid breaks, like lunch. (Example: Lunch 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm).

**End Time:** The exact time you stopped working. (Example: 5:15 pm).

**Total Hours:** Calculate the total hours you worked that day.

**Notes:** Write down anything unusual. Did your boss ask you to stay late? Did you work through lunch? Did they pay you in cash for a specific task?

What to Do With Your Pay

**Pay Stubs:** If you get a pay stub, **always keep it**. Take a picture of it with your phone as a backup.

**Cash Payments:** If you are paid in cash, count it right away. In your notebook, write down the date you were paid and the exact amount you received. If possible, make a note of who paid you.

**Checks:** Before you deposit a check, take a picture of the front and back with your phone.

**Remember:** This notebook is your story. It helps you prove your hard work and ensures you are treated fairly.