But you said they verbalized the range or the target.

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Jul 16, 2017
9:03:55pm

RalphWiggam All-American

But you said they verbalized the range or the target.

They just don't want to write it down. So the employee, in this case you, should know about what you can expect.

And "discretionary" bonus means the company has all the leverage to decide what the employee gets...even if the performance goals are met. That won't change if you get something in writing.

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RalphWiggam

Bio page: RalphWiggam
Joined: Feb 3, 2005
Last login: Apr 25, 2024
Total posts: 32,819 (2,150 FO)

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Messages

Author

Time

I mentioned in the linked post that I am considering leaving my company for another offer.

Texas Hammer All-American

7/16/17 8:44pm

Yes I'd be worried. Every offer I had included the target bonus % with a

WDaddy

7/16/17 8:46pm

Exactly. I get why they won't provide a target.

7/16/17 8:49pm

Yup, I was given a written percentage range of

JOPE

7/16/17 9:38pm

What I've learned, sadly, is that if it's not in writing, it means nothing.

7/16/17 8:46pm

I get that a bonus is discretionary, and I always treat my bonus as such, meaning I live on just my base, but I always

7/16/17 8:50pm

Yes, you are out in left field. Instead of wanting it in writing ask to talk to

Pick-Six Coug

7/16/17 8:51pm

I've done the homework, and been in the industry long enough to know that a target is expected. I'm not out in left

7/16/17 8:53pm

I am sorry, I didn't realize your question was rhetorical. No offense intended,

Pick-Six Coug

7/16/17 9:01pm

Sorry. I did appreciate your comments. I don't think I'm out in left field asking for something to be included in the

7/16/17 9:15pm

asking for a non-binding bonus range to be put in writing isn't just out in left field - it's silly.

HarlemCoug

7/16/17 10:25pm

There you are. Was waiting for your contribution.

7/16/17 10:31pm

it's non-binding. please explain why it matters more than finding out historical trends.

HarlemCoug

7/16/17 10:32pm

Because if you over perform and the company overperforms then you know to at

jcase16byu

7/16/17 11:37pm

again though, why wouldn't you expect it under the verbal offer?

Cougarpolis

7/16/17 11:42pm

Your whole employment isn't binding; so why even ask for base salary in writing.

TeeKaa

7/17/17 8:11am

Pretty sure the salary is binding.... and that you can see the difference.

Cougarpolis

7/19/17 6:52am

Your employment is "at will" - you have a set salary but can be fired anytime.

TeeKaa

7/19/17 7:28am

If it is not in writing it means nothing. As noted above. But...

RalphWiggam

7/16/17 8:51pm

What it gives me is something to compare to what I have now. I have a base a bonus target now, and I always know what my

7/16/17 8:58pm

The company has all the leverage anyway

wapiti

7/16/17 9:01pm

But you said they verbalized the range or the target.

RalphWiggam

7/16/17 9:03pm

Agreed. I don't work in corporate America (thank goodness) and I don't yet

Cougarpolis

7/16/17 10:08pm

I'd be uneasy with it. It would seem to me tjaf

conetah

7/16/17 8:52pm

Is that you, Donald?

AndyDwyer

7/16/17 8:54pm

Not in writing its covfefe

7/16/17 8:59pm

It would be very low on my list of concerns in choosing an employer

wapiti

7/16/17 9:00pm

It's not high on my list, but is something to compare against my current situation.

7/16/17 9:03pm

Are you in sales? We've gone completely away from bonus programs

CSoul

7/16/17 9:01pm

Have they why not put it in writing?

tippmancoug

7/16/17 9:05pm

Only explanation is that they done do that.

7/16/17 9:09pm

Lower base and non-committal bonus. Sounds like a bad move.

wapiti

7/16/17 9:52pm

If bonus is the reason to go there, I see the issue.

Quacker

7/16/17 10:31pm

Not sure how it's a red flag. Is the assumption that the non binding target is

Cougarpolis

7/16/17 10:37pm

It isn't binding, but it's evidence of the parties' mutual expectations.

Quacker

7/17/17 6:00pm

Fair enough. Certainly a factor. Doesn't sound like a big one to me. But

Cougarpolis

7/19/17 6:57am

That's a red flag to me. It just screams shady and would make me distrust

NottherealJWill

7/16/17 9:07pm

I'd be worried about a company that's selling you on an offer w/ a bonus & won't

Hang10

7/16/17 9:07pm

not necessarily a red flag, could simply mean their HR and legal departments are

Cougarclaw

7/16/17 9:13pm

Find out from others to work for them how often the bonuses normally come throug

Incentivize

7/16/17 9:20pm

This is good advice. Was going to say same thing.

Quacker

7/16/17 10:32pm

It should be included in the letter. A big red flag is waving at you.

TeeKaa

7/16/17 10:14pm

Why would I include it? I'd never include it in an offer letter. The only thing it gets me is a lawsuit later.

HarlemCoug

7/16/17 10:36pm

It's very common to include it. Why else would I request it? Everyone knows it's discretionary, but including it

7/17/17 5:44am

It sets out their company expectations to you & your total compensation.

TeeKaa

7/17/17 8:00am

It is possible that legal is to blame. Wouldn't necessarily turn down something

Quacker

7/16/17 10:29pm

As we learned with all the weeping and wailing re: Gordon Hayward, you should just stay where you are. Be loyal to them

macaroni

7/17/17 6:51am

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