Joining a small design shop
- Started
- Last post
- 12 Responses
- utf8
For a while now I have been talking a back and forth with a very small (successful) design studio about joining them. Recently they have become ready to grow as a company and formally asked me to come up with a job description and preferred salary. The job description part I am happy with but approaching the preferred salary has been a little bit more murky. The base salary I was going to suggest would be in the ball park of what I make now. (I really want to work for them, I'm young and am up for the risk). To offset the potential pay cut and inherit risk in joining a very young company I want to earn equity or do some profit sharing or some option I haven't heard of. Has anyone been in a similar situation and how did you approach compensation? Anyone got suggestions of where I can start doing research on the topic? Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks.
- hektor9110
Have you consider freelance for them?
- utf80
I have been doing freelance for them. Both parties really like working with each other and could get many more projects in and done if I was with them full time.
- hektor9110
Well, my take on the matter would be to wait a little longer, keep freelancing for them. Once you feel secure enough jump on board. Remember that sometimes is not the quantity but the quality and in this profession that is the most rewarding way to be happy. HAPPY
Good luck
- JSK0
To be a partner, as in equity / profit sharing, you need to bring in business or contribute to earnings matrics.
Set a goal for your self on how you are going to make more money for them and provide how it can be measured as well as rational for lower salary only on that bases.
If you are not consistently selling, doing good design work won't cut it.
Show your commitment up front and devise a method of tracking your performance which adds to bottom line (up sell etc).
Few years back, I took a salary cut to join a large firm. I listened to their needs but noted other organizational improvements. I proposed a 6 month plan and opened up for renegotitation if my goals are met. My goals were met but they couldn't furfil their part since they didn't think that I could do it so I walked away. Be ready to do that.
In your job description, don't just say what you want to do, state what you are going to do, how you are going to do it and how it will be measured.
- JSK0
And what you want in return for your work / plan.
- VikingKingEleven0
UTF im not sure that is the best decision right now. Id stay with freelance and find something more stable.
You could also approach a stock option as a freelance designer and if they hit a certain sales goal you would agree to come on full time.
- registe0
If you put yourself on the line and see direct profit or loss from your actions, you will straighten up quick, making yourself more efficient and working with a common goal, the company's well being, not a selfish one, staying a freelancer and taking the checks when they can afford to pay you.
you won't be simply investing in this company, you'll be investing in yourself and future. the combined results of the team will be greater than you all working individually.
I say go for it, just make sure your end of month funds still cover your lifestyle. and if it means you have to cut back on pot and drinking or any vices you may have, you should do so. but if it means you would be slowly going broke, the answer is obviously no.
- good points but freelancing would save the company money they would hve to pay on employment taxesVikingKingEleven
- hmmmhektor911
- i should add, still freelance outside your responsibilities to the company, schedule permittingregiste
- lvl_130
been there, done that. my personal advice is do not focus on compensation that may/may not come into effect. focus on hours you will spend in the office. working on projects with clients that you enjoy is priceless, but never let it become a burden. once the burden sets in within any agency, you have lost control.
plain and simple rule is: love going to work. but never forget that work is 9-5. the rest of the time is your own. keep that rule.
- < This...good seeing you on here. Always loved your work!woodyBatts
- woodyBatts0
There is a small design studio I would literally cut all my expenses to work with. Compensation will come, but being around people who are will help you rise is definitely valuable.
- popfodders0
Lack of $, lack of organization, you'll do ten times more work. You might be happier that way, so Catch 22.
- bjladams0
we're on the other side of that - looking to hire one of the freelancers that we use most. fits well with us, and looking to get away from his current shop. it's the same place i came from before we started up our own - so i've worked with him for 4 of the last 6 years. interesting reading the comments here though.
- akrok0
follow good work, not just $$$. if happiness is what you want.