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

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Jul 16, 2017
10:08:01pm

Cougarpolis Contributor

hire salaried employees, but I don't see the difference between a verbal and written discretionary bonus.

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Cougarpolis

Previous username: MVHS 04
New username: Wash Hogwallop
Bio page: Cougarpolis
Joined: Jul 3, 2003
Last login: Nov 26, 2017
Total posts: 0 (0 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.

Texas Hammer

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.

The Underminer

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

Texas Hammer

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

Texas Hammer

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

Texas Hammer

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.

Texas Hammer

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

Texas Hammer

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

Turnpike Lane

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.

Texas Hammer

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.

Texas Hammer

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

Texas Hammer

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

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