Unreasonable expectations???
Unreasonable expectations???
(OP)
All,
I am currently a contract engineer, employed in a skill which is in high demand at present. I am considering a direct position with my current employer, but their offer in terms of salary seems to undervalue my ability.
Currently I am being paid 53% more than what their salary offer is. There are benefits and some other perks associated with being direct, but it does not add up (even close) to the difference in contract pay.
It is not the amount of money itself which is the issue, rather I feel it seems to undervalue my worth to the company (I was expecting about 15% higher than the offer). Additionally, according to their internal salary charts, they have me below what they deem as the market rate by about 10%. I know my work is good and I contribute well to the company as my managers are all happy with my work.
I'd like to hear from others as to what their take on this situation is. How would you feel if this were an offer provided to you?
Thanks.
jetmaker
I am currently a contract engineer, employed in a skill which is in high demand at present. I am considering a direct position with my current employer, but their offer in terms of salary seems to undervalue my ability.
Currently I am being paid 53% more than what their salary offer is. There are benefits and some other perks associated with being direct, but it does not add up (even close) to the difference in contract pay.
It is not the amount of money itself which is the issue, rather I feel it seems to undervalue my worth to the company (I was expecting about 15% higher than the offer). Additionally, according to their internal salary charts, they have me below what they deem as the market rate by about 10%. I know my work is good and I contribute well to the company as my managers are all happy with my work.
I'd like to hear from others as to what their take on this situation is. How would you feel if this were an offer provided to you?
Thanks.
jetmaker





RE: Unreasonable expectations???
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
If you feel they are valuing below fair market value, then interview some other places and see what they offer. If it is in line with what you think you should get then yes your current employer is low balling.
Usually the benefit for you is insurance and stability. The benefit for the company is fixed cost versus variable and reduced overtime usually.
If you just want to maximize cash earned stay a contractor.
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
I am a perennial contract creature. I pay my own insurance and have my own IRA, etc. Not easily snowed by offers of benefits. I know what mine are worth, since I pay for them myself.
I've gone contract-to-direct three times. Never taken a downward step in pay in the process.
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
Beyond that, I wouldn't think there's much to get excited about. The company should always try to get a good deal, as should you. Had they offered 30% more, would you have given back 15%?
TTFN
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RE: Unreasonable expectations???
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
More money means they place value on your skills and consider you a great catch worth luring. they are actively seeking to attract and keep you.
Less money means they have an empty square on the org cart and a budget to keep. You are not truly valued. What's attractive about less money?
Nothing says more about what a person or company values than what they are willing to spend money on.
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
Thanks for your inputs. I was planning on countering with a 20% bump and then if they don't come up to the 15%, I'll stay contract.
I agree with Tick and 30osk in that benefits, at least what I accounted for are about 25-30% more on my salary. But also, there is the premium that the company pays to my contract house (typically 30-40% in my industry), basically paying the vacation and company portion of the social security/medicare payments plus the salary and profits of the contact house.
As previously said, the money is not everthing, as a direct exempt from overtime pay, I can not recoup the amount lost in the overtime hours. But I would gladly trade that money for more time with my family.
I think Tick really has nailed my feelings on this offer. If they truely consider me a valuable asset, then the salary offer should have been more in line with the contract pay (less 20-30%) IMO. Salary negotiation is no different than buying a car or house or service... everybody wants the best deal for them...
jetmaker
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
RE: Unreasonable expectations???
TTFN
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