Negotiating a Bonus
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- hellrod0
One thing to be aware of is that bonus money is taxed at a different rate (higher than salary) so you will see less of it.
- Continuity0
Nothing in writing = no deal.
In business, there's absolutely no such thing as a 'gentleman's agreement'. They don't operate like this with their clients: there's _always_ a contract involved. So, then, should be the same with employees.
Walk away. Now. You're about to get arse-fucked.
- d_rek0
Sounds like bullshit. If they value you then the bureaucratic process shouldn't be a concern. But then again i've never negotiated for a bonus.
Heck. I didn't even know bonuses existed in the design industry. I'm suspicious.
- UKV0
Getting something in writing is for the purpose of 1) clarifying the specifics 2) affirming the commitment. There is no connection whatsoever to accounting.
The bigger question, why are they offering the bonus? Performance? Then you earned it. Retention? Then they might concerned about loosing you. Did you ask for it? Previously promised? Then I'd suspect they are just placating you to buy some time.
- utopian0
Sounds like bullshit, if he is unwilling to put into writing they are not trustworthy and fuck you in the ass!
BTW - Is the CEO's name Mitt Romney @ Bain Capital?
- chossy0
Get it in writing. Or it won't happen.
- whatthefunk0
The response has been that any attempt to secure a salary over the "x" amount will result in a ton of bureaucratic approvals, meetings, and time with the company owner. This is a "big" company and they've stated that it's easier to just go with the "bonus" structure because they want to fill the role. I was brought in by the VP so there's the whole "former co-worker/friend" thing that typically makes these negotiations a bit awkward compared to if I just walked in off the street like a typical applicant.
- This is a bullshit bargaining tactic. How hard is it to ask you boss for budget approval?monNom
- timeless0
you're far enough in that you're discussing salary - it seems they want you - ask for half in salary and half as bonus (that you might not get) you're being flexible and they're being flexible - if they won't budge . . .
- honest0
do you have direct debit agreements over where you are? then it's a contract deal – Otherwise... http://www.youtube.com/watch?fea…
- vaxorcist0
startup?
Try to assume they are not assholes, but may be depending on circumstances beyond what they know now...
Keep looking around for other gigs, and/or be ready to ask yourself if this gig is so cool, you don't care about the bonus, just in case.
The surest way to demotivate somebody is to promise a bonus that never arrives, hopefully they know this....
- large company that has, like many others, hit a rough patch but is restructuringwhatthefunk
- whatthefunk
Salary negotiating question here - need advice. Had a final meeting with a CEO and when talking about salary I gave my figure and it was stated that the budget for the role is only x but he will provide the remainder in 2 separate "bonus" installments after the first and second 6 months.
The VP, who is my primary contact and is new (so is the CEO), stated that they will not put this "bonus" in writing (offer letter) because of creative accounting they will simply pull the money from a separate budget. I know a few people who work there who have said that other people, from the old regime, were offered a similar deal and were denied their bonus when it came time.
I'm thinking that with this new regime they will honor this gentleman's hand shake agreement but I'm still a bit uncertain thinking that in 6 months I will get the ol' "oh we're sorry but we just don't have the budget for this"
Thoughts on how to handle as this is a fantastic opportunity but I don't want to get duped.