Work bonus-thoughts?

[ryanshana]

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!!

Exactly, especially to the bold part. I think it's ridiculous for people to tell you not to take it or to turn it down!

 

[disykat]

Exactly, especially to the bold part. I think it's ridiculous for people to tell you not to take it or to turn it down!

I agree. I'm really surprised at people. It seems like they're taking their own sour grapes and throwing them at the OP. I've never had a job with bonuses and am currently unemployed, but don't see that as having anything to do with the OP.

 

[dallastxcpa]

Now, originally when I came here, it was for 4 weeks. It has been extended for 8 weeks. I spoke with my Regional Manager and she has requested I stay for 6 mths!!

(sidenote- we get a bonus once a year in Jan/Feb and I will still get this based on my "home" center numbers)

So, with me staying the 6 mths, at the end I would get a bonus. She is talking with HR and will get back to me by the end of the week. Now she said to me today "I kinda have her over a barrel" which leads me to believe, I have some wiggle room for the bonus. So, how much would you expect? What do you think is a fair amount?

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.

Even if it was your managers suggestion I maintain my point that there are tons of people who would be more than happy to travel, have all their expenses paid, and get a bonus whether it was $500 or $5,000. It was the way you stated in your original post that indicated that the bonus might not meet your expectations and that you had wiggle room to ask for more.

I agree with other posters that bonuses are something the boss gives at their discreation unless it is written into your contract. But you stated that this is an amount in addition to your normal bonus.

Just out of curiousity you say that your boss requested you stay. Does that mean you have to take the job? Or could you decline it even if your career wouldn't be furthered along as quickly. Sometimes we have to decide which is more important time with our family or a bonus for staying six months.

 

[laliwalden]

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 guess I need to ask what your job is then?

And, did I say I "expected" a bonus? NO, I didnt. I was offered a bonus. I did not go to my manager and say "I demand a bonus".

And, I am sure there are lots of people who would want my job. I love my job and work very hard at it. I don't think negotiating a bonus amount is going to put my job in jeopardy. If it would at your employer then I feel sorry for you.

And a 1 1/2 hour commute is alot to me. My commute at my home center is about 3 minutes. I don't live in California, having long commutes is not the norm here and I for sure do not want get used to it.

 

[MomToOne]

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.

Why not go to your boss and tell them you were unhappy with a bonus? I have. The world didn't end. I have either been given an reasonable explanation of why it was lower than I felt was appropriate, or been given total B.S. - in which case I knew it was time to move on.

Employment is a two-way street. While this recession has made everyone skittish - me included, trust me - you have a right to be compensated fairly for the work you do. Taking on work that other's won't deserves extra compensation.

This take-what-you-get-and-don't-make-waves attitude is what keeps many women from climbing the corporate ladder. Yes, my flame suit is on!

 

[laliwalden]

Even if it was your managers suggestion I maintain my point that there are tons of people who would be more than happy to travel, have all their expenses paid, and get a bonus whether it was $500 or $5,000. It was the way you stated in your original post that indicated that the bonus might not meet your expectations and that you had wiggle room to ask for more.

I agree with other posters that bonuses are something the boss gives at their discreation unless it is written into your contract. But you stated that this is an amount in addition to your normal bonus.

Just out of curiousity you say that your boss requested you stay. Does that mean you have to take the job? Or could you decline it even if your career wouldn't be furthered along as quickly. Sometimes we have to decide which is more important time with our family or a bonus for staying six months.

I do have wiggle room, per my regional manager. And yes, it is in addition to my regular bonus. What difference does that make?

If traveling had been a part of the job to begin with I could see your point. It's not. I had to travel for training, I was told that when I interviewed. Fine, after that, my job does not require travel.

Yes, she requested I stay. I do not have to. I would be the interim until someone else is promoted/hired/transfer, whatever. I think she is hoping I will transfer, I am not sold on that one yet. Me staying would, I am sure, be beneficial to my moving up, but I don't believe if I said no, it would be held against me.

If I am offered an amount and I am comfortable with it, I will accept it. If I try and negotiate and they decline then I will have to decide whats more important. I highly doubt it would be an unfair amount that I couldnt live with. My company is an amazing company and I am SOOOO happy to be employed by them.

 

[EclecticWAHM]

I'm really surprised at the folks who seem to think negotiating a bonus is somehow unreasonable. There are many industries doing well right now and some companies are in a position to give bonuses where it makes sense for them to do so. Perhaps some just don't understand the culture in some types of businesses where this type of thing is very common. Frankly I'm happy for someone who is in a position to negotiate salary and bonuses and that companies are looking to retain valuable employees that way. Seems obvious to me in this case that she's a valuable employee going out of her way to help the company in an area where they need it and the company is willing to pay a premium for that. Good for her!

As far as the OP's question about "how much would you expect?" There's not enough information to really make a determination like that. It depends on what the job is, what the regular salary is and lots of other factors that I wouldn't recommend posting on a public message board. I could only suggest talking to the RM and asking what the range is. I wouldn't put a number out there because oftentimes when you put a number out there, it's lower than the company is willing to go, and they jump on it if you lowball it. See what they offer and if it's fair to you, go for it. If not, ask for more - all they can do is say "no". If it's not worth it to you, don't accept the assignment. Good luck!

 

[kydisneyfans]

Jealous much?

My wife and I are doing fine, thank you for asking.

 

[kydisneyfans]

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!

No, I'm not kidding. I respect your comment, I would appreciate the same in return. I enjoy and appreciate the $25 gift card to Kroger that my company gives at year end, because many people don't even receive that.

 

[kydisneyfans]

I guess I need to ask what your job is then?

And, did I say I "expected" a bonus? NO, I didnt. I was offered a bonus. I did not go to my manager and say "I demand a bonus".

And, I am sure there are lots of people who would want my job. I love my job and work very hard at it. I don't think negotiating a bonus amount is going to put my job in jeopardy. If it would at your employer then I feel sorry for you.

And a 1 1/2 hour commute is alot to me. My commute at my home center is about 3 minutes. I don't live in California, having long commutes is not the norm here and I for sure do not want get used to it.

The quote "have her over a barrel" is what threw me off. That implies to me they the company may not be 100% willing to give the bonus. If offered, take it, I take everything my employer gives me even if it's a $5 Blockbuster gift card or a free drink at Speedway. I personally don't think it is appropriate to negotiate a bonus when the above quote was given.

The idea of extra vacation time is a great one though, one of which I have previously used.

I didn't mean to be offensive, but from a management standpoint, don't expect too much in the current environment.

 

[okeydokey]

Not to be mean.... but you should be grateful you have a job and are getting a bonus. There are alot of people who have no job or who have taken salary decreases.

I didn't hear any complaining, just asking what people thought a reasonable bonus would be. Jeesh!

 

[laliwalden]

The quote "have her over a barrel" is what threw me off. That implies to me they the company may not be 100% willing to give the bonus. If offered, take it, I take everything my employer gives me even if it's a $5 Blockbuster gift card or a free drink at Speedway. I personally don't think it is appropriate to negotiate a bonus when the above quote was given.

That was her quote!! I guess you would have to know her to know how she said it and I know she was not implying she isnt willing to give the bonus. It was her idea.

I know other people that have been in similar situations and each time they were give a bonus. This is not new to the company, just to me.

 

[mickeyfan1]

Perhaps the biggest issue is that this was posted on the budget board. However, had it been on the Community Board, we would be at many many more pages and the OP would have been vilified from here to next year.

OP, I hope they offer you something quite nice. It isn't every company that values their employees as more than just warm bodies. I found, when I has a manager and had reporting people, that being nice produced much better results than telling anyone they should be glad they had a job. It always amazed me that the people that did the least expected the most, the ones that produced were alway glad when we had a pizza lunch, the complainers always wanted more, and complained that they should be the ones getting taken out to lunch, blah blah blah. If we ever asked anyone to report to a location 98 miles away, they would be given a hotel and meals. If they drove thier own vehicle, they got mileage. Because we were a unionized company the contract forbade any thing beyond that.

If you expect your people to give you their best, you need to be the best place for them to work.

 

[ICF]

And a 1 1/2 hour commute is alot to me. My commute at my home center is about 3 minutes. I don't live in California, having long commutes is not the norm here and I for sure do not want get used to it.

just noticed you're also in Indiana... do you work near Indy or someplace else in Indiana.?? Where are they having you travel to?

 

[tinkarooni]

Hey OP. I would congratulate you on your bonus however I think that congratulations are not in order as you have probably earned your bonus through dedication to your employer and the willingness to take on unpleasant tasks. These are reasons that an employer is usually willing and offers to pay a valuable employee a bonus. But congratulations anyway.


I understand that some people are feeling frustrated about their own personal employment situation. However it is industry practice in some businesses that bonuses are part of the deal. OP says that they offered her what appears to be a slightly negotiable bonus for an unpleasant task that no one else stepped up to do. No one would turn it down, it would be unwise to do so. What will that accomplish? If nothing else it tells your employer that your not worth what they think your are worth, career suicide.

I too have refused out of town work because of my personal choices and watched others do it and be compensated for it. That's the way it goes sometimes. I can also say that that I work for a company that has given cash bonuses for 50 years. Even in this economy my pretty stable company is still making money, we anticipate a bonus this year as well, if people received a gift card to the grocery store there would probably be mutiny. However when people took these jobs we knew that company profit= cash bonus. It's just part of the deal.

To answer the OP original question I think everyone else has the right idea, see what they offer you and take it from there.

To those that are still out of work I truly hope that the economy actually has the incredible upswing they say we are having and that anyone able and willing to work can find a good paying job.

 

[declansdad]

OP, you don't need to explain yourself to the people who seem to have a bad case sour grapes.

Take your bonus and have a great time spending it.

 

[Mad4Mickey]

When I worked for Petsmart I was paid extra when I was away from my home store,also they paid for all meals, hotel and a car . If I was working in Waco it was about 1 1/2 hours away from home I did stay there at a hotel i did not drive back and forth everyday . I hated leaving there because they paid me so well but going through a divorce and having kids I could not travel like that anymore.

My contract now at the clinic I have worked at since I left Petsmart pays me pretty well but you can bet your pretty rear I made sure I worked bonus pay into my contract . I get a bonus as management so I get a % of what our clinic profits. Sometimes it is big and sometimes not so big but either way I get something . I get that quarterly, I also get something per month it is not alot but it is again something( once I remember it was only 300 bucks ) . This is all on top of my salary , they came to me to ask what kind of bonus I was looking for and I told them I wanted them to come back to me with what they thought I was worth LOL . I think they did not want offend ( I do work really hard though)

I had no idea they thought I was needed that much , needless to say it was large enough for us to buy DVC
This year I will get an end of year bonus and I am looking forward to that .

I think you should make sure if you do not think it is worth what they are offering I would ask for a little more , get what you are worth in your market for sure. I do not think it is greedy to ask for a bonus at all . I say you get in where you can fit in LOL

 

[Planogirl]

To the OP, has anyone else in your company spent time away in this manner? If so then the company has dealt with this before and probably has an amount in mind. You might want to see how much they offer and just go with it. It seems incredibly hard to tell them how much you want in this situation!

By the way, there is nothing wrong with a bonus. We get those based on performance and even though they aren't much, every extra bit helps!

 

[john1928]

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.

The job you were hired for does not require travel however this is clearly not the same job. Though, to be honest it doesn't sound like this job requires travel either, so long as the employee lives near the site.

It is perfectly reasonable IMO to discuss/request a change in compensation for a change in position. They are obviously willing to cover expenses and even bonus dollars so that's a good deal at least in the interim. Ultimately they probably don't want to do that forever, but perhaps they'd help with relocation if it became a permanent position.

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.

Sure, there's no risk in asking on this one, but their answer may depend on their motivation for offering the bonus. In addition to our yearly performance bonuses I will often offer retention bonuses to key employees so they stick around for the duration of an important project (or a site consolidation). In that case there's no upside and lots of downside risk to making a mid-period payment. If it's more of a keep someone happy because we want them back when the assignment is done deal then a mid-period payment wouldn't be an issue.

And, I am sure there are lots of people who would want my job. I love my job and work very hard at it. I don't think negotiating a bonus amount is going to put my job in jeopardy. If it would at your employer then I feel sorry for you.

Do you work for a public company? If you do, then it may not matter today but you may be one CEO change away from cost cost containment being king. When you need to drive %15 earnings growth on %5 revenue growth quarter after quarter it doesn't take a math whiz to see where that's heading... When that happens no matter how dedicated an individual employee is it may have zero impact on whether or not he or she will have a job next month.

I have either been given an reasonable explanation of why it was lower than I felt was appropriate, or been given total B.S. - in which case I knew it was time to move on.

Employment is a two-way street. While this recession has made everyone skittish - me included, trust me - you have a right to be compensated fairly for the work you do. Taking on work that other's won't deserves extra compensation.

Yes!

While it stinks that much of corporate America has near zero loyalty for its employees these days, the flip side is that we shouldn't feel any more obligation to a company than it show's to us. Do you think they'd keep your job if they could do it for 20% less overseas? 30%? 50%? At some point if the job was portable the company "would have to move to stay competitive". You should view yourself the same way IMO, if you can make 20% more (or have more vacation, a shorter commute, free schooling, etc.) at some point you need to make sure your employer is "remaining competitive" or move.

Of course if there's 10% unemployment in Indiana, 11% in 3 neighboring states, and 15% in the 4th, competitive may not mean any better pay/benefits

If traveling had been a part of the job to begin with I could see your point. It's not. I had to travel for training, I was told that when I interviewed. Fine, after that, my job does not require travel.

Again, your old job did not require travel. You are no longer in that job. Ask for what you think you need to make this position worth it for you and decide based on what they can do for you.

When you consider your negotiating posture one thing to consider is that apparently there is enough excess staff at your current location to eliminate a full time position for at least half a year. Will they have enough work to justify keeping you if you choose not to fill the remote position?

Wear your management hat when you answer that. Not your immediate manager who loves your work hat, but the senior manager or CFO hat who's trying to pinch every ounce of fat to keep on his/her (perhaps totally unreasonable) budget for the year...

I've seen that scenario happen twice at different employers where a high performance employee went on a short-duration assignment and found he didn't have anywhere to land when it ended in one case, or when he decided he couldn't stand it in the other. Companies do dysfunctional things all the time, and sometimes good employees are caught up in those mistakes.

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.

Vacation can be great if you're in a position to be able to use it (can actually take time off work, spouse can take time off, etc.), but it's much less liquid than cash. If this company is so desperate for someone to fill this position and nobody at that site can even cover in the interim how likely is she to be able to use the vacation? Of course if it's really going to be done after 6 months then maybe asking for (and using) a couple extra weeks of vacation once the assignment is complete makes obtaining a large block of consecutive days off easier.

 

[RadioFanatic]

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.

All I can say is "you go girl!" I just had a bonus given to me a couple of weeks ago out of the blue because my boss was happy with my job performance on a certain issue. Was I supposed to tell him no thank you I'm just happy to have a job? I don't think so - and frankly, he was right - I did deserve it - I've been working my tail off! And it appears to me that you do too!