In 06' I took an “extended unpaid vacation” to travel Europe with friends. It was 4 weeks. This franchise rib joint I was at was swirling the bowl. Found out somewhere in Rome, I think… it closed. I was officially unemployed. YAY? Oh no! My $2:13/hour.
Like 2 weeks after returning my old manager shows up with a check! Here is your vacation pay! Which I didn't expect or qualify for because I was just barely under the “vacation” line of 32 hours. It wasn't a lot, but damn!! And it was my tipped pay! He was losing his job too and took the time to sneak on some extra pay/literally an hour for me, cause F them. I'll never work for that company again but that guy gets it and my thanks.
TL:DR Manager flubbed the numbers (slightly) so I got vacation pay when the restaurant closed while on long vacation. Then brought me the check!!