My business has been experiencing serious cash flow problems for over a year. They currently owe me $15,000 in back pay. I finally accepted an offer elsewhere, but before jumping ship I would like to collect the money owed to me. How can I do this? Once I’m gone, I’ll be a ghost.

They legally owe you money, so put what they owe you in writing and demand an answer. Make copies of the exchange for legal purposes if it comes to this – and this may be the only way to get your money, by filing a claim through the Ministry of Labor or a private attorney. I would do both simultaneously, because going through the government agency will take a long time, and who knows if the company will still be solvent by then. If you have a lawyer friend who can write a letter on legal letterhead, this can free up your funds more quickly.

Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a human resources director. Listen to Greg every Wednesday at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR. Email: [email protected]. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on LinkedIn.