Negotiating a Bonus
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- cannonball19780
Do you expect bonus points when playing a video game? Work bonuses are no different.
- stoplying0
Two bonuses means you get taxed twice...one for each bonus.
- monNom0
Anything not in writing is not part of your agreement. A new mgmt team won't be bound by your previous teams verbal commitments, and if the 'other budget' is out of money, that's your tough luck.
You might ask for bonus #1 as a signing bonus - as a show of good faith since they won't commit to anything in writing. Honestly though, it doesn't sound like you'd be in a good situation to bargain from... better that they talk to the boss and get your salary budgeted from the start.
- 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
- honest0
do you have direct debit agreements over where you are? then it's a contract deal – Otherwise... http://www.youtube.com/watch?fea…
- 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 . . .
- 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
- chossy0
Get it in writing. Or it won't happen.
- whatthefunk0
Ahhhhhhh, now dealing with the counter offer from my original company who is offering considerably more then the new company's offer in the way of pay, bonus, title, choice of team, and travel. I'm now in the middle of two negotiations and this shit is stressful!!!!
(*should simultaneously post in first world problems thread)
- 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?
- randommail0
If they don't end up keeping their promise, make it clear to them that you now see them as untrustworthy people. But respond as a gentleman - you're willing take double the cash value in vacation days.
- pig0
- sine0
seriously though, my bonus is a 13th check (as standard). i didn't read the thread completely, so if you're talking about bonuses based on projects, etc. i have no idea.
13th checks are usually paid either at the end of the year, or in your birthday month (if the company wants to spread the expenses.)
and bonuses aren't taxed special. just declare your income as usual. you'll pay tax on it as per your usual salary.
- vaxorcist0
you could of course just keep track of the illegally installed software all over the office computers.... and make a phone call to Adobe if they don't follow through on their promises..... almost every startup has some illegally installed software somewhere....
but that would be a low blow... hmm.....
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- identity0
how bad do you need the job?
Just be definitive with them - you're building a relationship with them, and them with you. If they don't give the bonus - as promised - leave. Let them know you're considering the bonus as part of your salary - and creative accounting aside - you trust them to follow through on their promise; noting that you will follow through on yours.
- i_monk0
Get it in writing or walk away.