Work bonus-thoughts?

[Handbag Lady]

I'm going to guess that you should get 10-15% of your salary. I would try for 20%.


(And I live in Los Angeles and you don't want to know some of the times and distances we've had to drive for jobs and I hated every minute of it. I would have LOVED to have a hotel room some nights!)

 

[SaraJayne]

Wow, Really? Did I say anywhere that I was not grateful for my job? I am very grateful for my job. I LOVE my job and I worked very hard for many years to get a job like this.

The bonus was my regional managers suggestion. She has kids and understands what it is like to be away from them (she travels alot for her job).

I am not some CEO, getting a bonus while others are laid off, or refusing to give up my private jet while the govt bails my company out. I have a hard working regular employee that was asked to be away from my family for 6 mths. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask to be compensated for that.

I think it's great that your company thinks you are such a valuable employee they are willing to give you a bonus!

I'd wait and see what they offer, but have either a number or percentage in mind. I'd start with 10% of your salary.

Ignore the grumps.

 

[allison443]

I think it's great that your company thinks you are such a valuable employee they are willing to give you a bonus!

Ignore the grumps.

Agreed!

 

[ChristmasElf]

Bonuses are standard in the industry. (that doesn't mean that all companies that should give them out do however)
Both DH and I both commute. Him regularly every week and I off and on depending on the circumstances. Although it makes life difficult, we signed on for this, but also get to live where we want to at the same time.

DH's company gives out a bonus twice as year. It varies among employees based on how long they have been with the company and how well the company is doing but average at 100-150% of the BASE salary.

Mine aren't as generous as that and I'm lucky to get 25% once a year based on performance (but enjoy other company perks regularly)

So OP hold out for what you think you're worth with no guilt whatsoevah!

 

[Irin997]

First of all, congrats!! That is fantastic news! I haven't had a bonus in 2 years and probably won't be getting one next year either. When I do get one, it come from a bonus pool and amounts to 0.02% of my salary....woohoo! (insert sarcasm) Not to say I certainly wouldn't appreciate it this year.

Back to the topic, I would also say that anywhere between 10-20% would be a really great bonus. I'm envious but happy for you.

As far as driving home every night, some of you guys must be nuts! That would be like me commuting from Baltimore to Philadelphia every single day. No thanks - not happening.

 

[Kellydelly]

I didn't realize that employees are able to set their own bonus rates. I thought bonuses were a gift from the boss; one that they decide how much!

 

[kydisneyfans]

This has absolutely nothing to do with the OPs question. Shouyld she give up her job or refuse an offered bounus to make you feel better?



She isn't expecting it, they offered. Just because you and your spouse are able to do the long distant commute and still meet all your at home commitments doesn't mean the OP can. There are probably not thousands on the DIS that drive 1.5 hours one way to work daily. There may be some, but not thousands. You have to do a lot of cost comparisons to have that work out. 180 miles a day is a lot of gasoline cost and vehicle maintenance cost. I would only do it if my net was double of my vehicle costs.

And if the company that OP works for already provides a car and hotel for her, I doubt very much that a $25 restaurant gift card is the type of bonus they are thinking about.

I guess after driving 250,000 miles in less than 6 years for work, I don't expect as much out of my employer. I would never "expect" a bonus for any reason, from working a 6th day to putting in 18 hours a day, that's part of the job. Given that over 10% of this country is out of work, the entitlement seen on this thread is flat out disturbing. The company offered, that's great, but to say it should be x % is out of line IMO. As a manager, I know that if someone came to me expecting a bonus that was out of line, that employee would be out the door with 200 applicants ready to step in and do the same job not expecting anything extra.

An hour and a half commute is nothing to me, but I am used to it. Given the economy, be thankful you have a job, and be even more thankful that you are getting some extra for the hard work. Opinions were asked for, I gave mine. A commute of an hour and a half is not overnight material to me.

 

[declansdad]

I guess after driving 250,000 miles in less than 6 years for work, I don't expect as much out of my employer. I would never "expect" a bonus for any reason, from working a 6th day to putting in 18 hours a day, that's part of the job. Given that over 10% of this country is out of work, the entitlement seen on this thread is flat out disturbing. The company offered, that's great, but to say it should be x % is out of line IMO. As a manager, I know that if someone came to me expecting a bonus that was out of line, that employee would be out the door with 200 applicants ready to step in and do the same job not expecting anything extra.

An hour and a half commute is nothing to me, but I am used to it. Given the economy, be thankful you have a job, and be even more thankful that you are getting some extra for the hard work. Opinions were asked for, I gave mine. A commute of an hour and a half is not overnight material to me.

If the commute is 125 miles each way, it certainly is an overnight stay. If it is 1.5 hours in traffic, I would agree with you. I don't agree with any sense of entitlement on this thread. The OP was offered bonus, she didn't demand one. The bonus is part of the extra and well deserved for what seems to be helping out this company. The fact there is a 10% unemployment rate (which isn't that high compared to many places) is immaterial to what the OP asked.

 

[MomToOne]

I guess after driving 250,000 miles in less than 6 years for work, I don't expect as much out of my employer. I would never "expect" a bonus for any reason, from working a 6th day to putting in 18 hours a day, that's part of the job. Given that over 10% of this country is out of work, the entitlement seen on this thread is flat out disturbing. The company offered, that's great, but to say it should be x % is out of line IMO. As a manager, I know that if someone came to me expecting a bonus that was out of line, that employee would be out the door with 200 applicants ready to step in and do the same job not expecting anything extra.

An hour and a half commute is nothing to me, but I am used to it. Given the economy, be thankful you have a job, and be even more thankful that you are getting some extra for the hard work. Opinions were asked for, I gave mine. A commute of an hour and a half is not overnight material to me.

I don't perceive any sense of entitlement, what comes across to me is jealousy from some posters.

I've had jobs where I've had to commute over an hour each way. And I've had jobs where I had to travel cross country every week. But I've always known the situation at the time I was hired - I could decide whether the salary and other benefits were worth the commute and/or other costs to my non-work life. At times it has been and I've taken the job, and at other times similiar offers haven't been and I kept looking. The OP here wasn't given that opportunity at the time she took the job - this is obviously a temporary assignment that she became subject to after hiring in. For that reason, she is perfectly right in expecting the company to compensate her appropriately. And just as no one would be taken aback by a new hire trying to negotiate their salary, I think negotiating a bonus in this situation is perfectly acceptable. Clearly, the company values her work and is being benefitted by it so I have no problem with the OP expecting the company to give her something in return!!

 

[john1928]

I think it's hard to answer effectively without much detail...

In many fields bonuses make up a large, and expected, percentage (>50%) of an employee's total compensation for the year. In others it may be a small performance sharing award (1-xx%) that is seen as a true *bonus*.

Likewise, with some jobs travel is a fact of life (sales, consulting, etc.) and the costs of that lifestyle are built into the compensation system for the position.

The OP sounds like maybe the first point is relevant in her case since she mentioned her yearly bonus being driven by numbers in her home region, where the second is an unusual request that she's trying to help out with. Perhaps I'm reading too much into that.

The comments about being willing to drive long distances for no compensation do have some relevance IMO. If the company is willing to pay a bonus for doing it, great, take them up on the offer (or suggest an alternative that you think is more equitable) and be happy. But as you've seen, there ARE people who will commute long distances (I've worked with folks who have commuted just under 3 hours each way).

If you're the best employee and highly profitable then requiring lodging and asking for a bonus is probably something the company is happy to provide you with. But if the cost and/or hassle factor for your employment outweighs your contribution then the fact that there are folks willing to do the same job for less compensation becomes relevant.

 

[DipsyDoodles]

Good for you. If the bonus comes in lower than what you think you deserve, go for negotiating. I've worked in Human Resources for years and, YES, sometimes bonuses are set by the employee (for retention purposes or exceptional candidates for certain positions) and they are most always negotiated on an employee-by-employee basis.

You go girl!!!

 

[bored]

I guess after driving 250,000 miles in less than 6 years for work, I don't expect as much out of my employer. I would never "expect" a bonus for any reason, from working a 6th day to putting in 18 hours a day, that's part of the job. Given that over 10% of this country is out of work, the entitlement seen on this thread is flat out disturbing. The company offered, that's great, but to say it should be x % is out of line IMO. As a manager, I know that if someone came to me expecting a bonus that was out of line, that employee would be out the door with 200 applicants ready to step in and do the same job not expecting anything extra.

An hour and a half commute is nothing to me, but I am used to it. Given the economy, be thankful you have a job, and be even more thankful that you are getting some extra for the hard work. Opinions were asked for, I gave mine. A commute of an hour and a half is not overnight material to me.

Jealous much?

 

[bumbershoot]

Congratulations!

Definitely let them come up with a number, and see how it feels to you. It's lovely that they see the sacrifices you are making, and are compensating you well. If only all companies were like that! They'd have a healthier, happier, harder-working group of employees, that's for sure.


My sis in law goes from San Diego to Orange County for depositions. She almost always stays overnight, and the client pays for that.

And while I have friends and family living in the Bay Area who can't afford to live where they work, and therefore, commute 2+ hours each way every day, if that isn't what you signed up for, it shouldn't be something you even think about. They obviously value you, are a good company, and are kind.

In a previous job of DH's, he either faced a 2-transfer bus commute after driving to the park and ride and with a walk from the bus stop to his office, or driving 1.5 hours in nasty traffic. We dealt with that for awhile, with us barely seeing him (and having had that experience combined with his current travel job, it's easier to just not see him for a week rather than see him for an hour awake-time per day) and him missing us...and thankfully he found another job with a better commute.

DH travels quite a bit, but it's what he signed up for, so there's no bonus for traveling. Since this isn't what you signed up for, I think it's only right that they treat you nicely!

 

[TimeforMe]

I might expect a $25 restaurant gift card as a thank you, but in no way would expect a compensation bonus.

You're kidding, right?

OP--sounds to me like you have EARNED this bonus and rightfully deserve it. You are making many sacrifices and the company recognizes that as they should. Good luck and I hope it's a good one!

 

[descovy]

Trying to answer the ACTUAL question here, people!

I imagine it differs industry to industry, but my brother works in commercial construction. They'll send him to jobs 120-300miles away from home. They give the guys a per diem of $200-300/day. That said, it is supposed to cover lodging/meals (not transportation) The company decides if it will fly the guys to their destination or if they are supposed to drive.

Some of these guys spend the whole thing on hotel/food 5 days a week. Others will bring travel campers/share. Some may drive home if it's close enough. Choice is theirs. These guys probably make $30-50k a year though, so take that into consideration.

My husband works for a civil engineer and makes $80k/year. In good times their annual bonuses are $15-$20k. Last year the business was really hurting, and he got $4k (pre-tax)

 

[mommyrants]

Another data point - since you've been working so much and away so much, maybe negotiate for an extra week or two of vacation? For me, paid time w/ my family is more valuable than cash. If not - I agree 10% of your salary seem reasonable.

 

[laliwalden]

Wow, I did not expect this to turn into this!!

Anyway, I am back from work and will try and clear some things up.

First, our annual bonus, the one in Jan/Feb, is based on our numbers. I will still get the same amount wether I am here or not. It is based on how well we do with certain things. You get a "base" amount, (a percentage of your annual pay) and then there are kickers where you can get extra added to. (for example, perfect attendance, you get a kicker)

Now, I did not ask for this bonus, it was offered. I will not turn it down. Period. I don't think it is unfair for me to receive it either. No one else wanted to come help.

As far as driving home everyday, not going to happen. It's about 98 miles one way. That is too much for one day. Plus the company would be paying for 3 hours (at least) overtime every day.

Thanks for all the replies. If I can clear anything else up, I will. For now, I will wait for an offer!!

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Another data point - since you've been working so much and away so much, maybe negotiate for an extra week or two of vacation? For me, paid time w/ my family is more valuable than cash. If not - I agree 10% of your salary seem reasonable.

I agree. Vacation time is a treasure in my book. And so easy to negotiate, because it doesn't feel like money.

 

[*Seanaci*]

And if the company that OP works for already provides a car and hotel for her, I doubt very much that a $25 restaurant gift card is the type of bonus they are thinking about.

On the same note though, if she is offered any amount of gifts cards for food or what not (rather than a cash bonus) she should be greatful and take it IMO.

I would feel quiet embarassed to ask for cash after being offered gift certs. KWIM?

I didn't realize that employees are able to set their own bonus rates. I thought bonuses were a gift from the boss; one that they decide how much!

Ditto. Before I became a SAHM, my bonus every year was based on performance. Not to mention how long you'd been with the company. So, I rarely got what I thought I should.

I agree. Vacation time is a treasure in my book. And so easy to negotiate, because it doesn't feel like money.

Good idea on vacation time.



All that being said...my husband is given a yearly bonus based on department performance (meaning all...6 or 8 of them in the department), time with the company, and individual performance. His 2007 bonus and his 2009 bonus included an extra percentage for staying a block from work for a few days during our blizzards in Dec 2006 and Jan 2009. So he was compensated for going above and beyond what the company asked of him.

That being said, I feel that you should take what they offer, regardless of whether you think it is fair or not.

Before I get flamed, let me explain. We all feel we work hard at our jobs...therefore we all will feel we should be compensated/given more of a bonus than what the bosses actually hand out. It's a fact of life. Even though we all know what our yearly bonus is based on, if we don't get as big a bonus as we feel we deserve, we don't go crying to the boss...we just accept the bonus greatfully and hope for more next year. I feel even though you are being offered a bonus for your situation, you should still treat it the same as your yearly bonus...you don't go to your boss for that bonus and say "I want 10% because I feel I'm worth it/worked that hard/etc." You shouldn't ask for a % or dollar amount for this one either. Take what they offer and be greatful you were given it.

Besides, if what they offer is what you were hoping for and you counter-offer, you may just get caught up in a cycle of offers/counter-offers meaning it'll be that much longer until you get the bonus (as I am assuming it is something they are going to give either now or upon completion of your service at your current location).

 

[laliwalden]

On the same note though, if she is offered any amount of gifts cards for food or what not (rather than a cash bonus) she should be greatful and take it IMO.

I would feel quiet embarassed to ask for cash after being offered gift certs. KWIM?

Ditto. Before I became a SAHM, my bonus every year was based on performance. Not to mention how long you'd been with the company. So, I rarely got what I thought I should.


Good idea on vacation time.

That being said, I feel that you should take what they offer, regardless of whether you think it is fair or not.


Before I get flamed, let me explain. We all feel we work hard at our jobs...therefore we all will feel we should be compensated/given more of a bonus than what the bosses actually hand out. It's a fact of life. Even though we all know what our yearly bonus is based on, if we don't get as big a bonus as we feel we deserve, we don't go crying to the boss...we just accept the bonus greatfully and hope for more next year. I feel even though you are being offered a bonus for your situation, you should still treat it the same as your yearly bonus...you don't go to your boss for that bonus and say "I want 10% because I feel I'm worth it/worked that hard/etc." You shouldn't ask for a % or dollar amount for this one either. Take what they offer and be greatful you were given it.


Besides, if what they offer is what you were hoping for and you counter-offer, you may just get caught up in a cycle of offers/counter-offers meaning it'll be that much longer until you get the bonus (as I am assuming it is something they are going to give either now or upon completion of your service at your current location).

I can 100% say they are not going to offer me gift cards. It will be a cash bonus.

The bonus I get in Jan/Feb is based on our *centers* performance. This is beyond this. I don't think you can compare the two. I am not demanding a certain amount. But, I may try to negotiate a little. I think I am able to negotiate more with this one. It is something I am doing for the company. I am helping this center, in more ways than one.

Well, considering I will be spending 6 mths away from my husband and daughter I will be somewhat picky. While I don't think I deserve 20K, I will not accept $500, it's not worth it to me. It is not easy to do this and my job does not require travel.

Who said anything about crying to the boss? My yearly bonus is a whole different thing. I take my yearly bonus and squeal with delight when I get it!! Trust me, I have never had a job that has given bonuses, so I am super excited I get one every year.


Yes, she said it would be paid out at the end of the 6 mths. I *may* request half at 3 mths and half at the end. Whats the worst that could happen? They say no? I'm okay with that.