deciding my fate...

[colonel5]

well as some of you know I am in the process of asking for quite a "bump" in my wages here at my job.

Last Thursday afternoon I emailed my bosses my proposal letter and then headed out of town for the weekend. we talked for a minute this morning and they told me that we'll be meeting this afternoon @ 2:30 to go over "my letter"

So we'll see what their counter offer is, and hopefully I won't be spending my evening doing the beginning processes of freshening up my portfolio.

[Craig B]

Good luck Colonel. You always need to fight for what you believe is right. If they don't pay you what you're experience and knowledge is worth ... and they decide to kick your butt to the curb ... well, in the long run it'll be better for you.

Let us know how it goes.

[Logo-Mechanix]

Good luck Colonel, you should never be afraid to ask for what you feel you are worth to the company.

[Drorain]

good luck colonel5, it'd be quite a hike for such an increase, but wonderful if they offer most of what you asked.

I would love to do similar, submit a proposal, but I know they would just laugh and get someone else, since at my level of position, a lot of people would die for.

I am content, and willing to supliment my income with freelance work, although I'm not saving much now there could be better opp. in the future

[Satchel]

Good luck Colonel -
I would also love to ask for more, but unfortunatly large companies like mine have rules, stupid rules, but rules none the less. I just have to wait until next year when review time comes around, or find another job i guess?
S.

[colonel5]

yeah, like i've said before if they meet me half way with intentions of reviewing it at a later date I would be ok with that. It is quite a jump in pay, but I know for what I'm doing I deserve at least what I'm asking.

I'll let you guys know how it goes

[Mynock]

and I let you know how your old job is going, while you're looking for a new one. :P

[CHRISGEE]

Good luck Colonel, you should never be afraid to ask for what you feel you are worth to the company.

Truer words have never been spoken! We start out so low in terms of salary in this industry that you simply HAVE to be aggressive in asking for what your skill and knowledge is worth, otherwise you'll never make enough money to get by.

The only way to REALLY make any money in this field, as an employee, is with a timely blend of moving on to better-paying positions along with getting decent pay raises wherever you work. Along the way, you MUST take advantage of the few opportunities to get a significant "bump" in salary.

During one of my significant bumps while I was still an employee, I realized that this was a big opportunity and that I needed to consult someone who really understood salary negotiation. Luckily I have an uncle who, at the time, was still an executive at a large corporation (he has since retired). He gave me a great piece of advice, having been in my situation many times.

He said "I always ask for an amount that makes me nervous!". His said that if you ask for an amount you feel comfortable with, more than likely it's not enough. After pro-rating over 26 paychecks and taking taxes out, you'll realize your bump was more like tap.

His advice worked like a charm and I ended up negotiating a higher salary for myself than I ever thought possible! I duplicated that success in subsequent salary negotiations as well as in negotiations for contracts.

It helps to have a coach like this. I recommend seeking one out. It doesn't have to be a designer, just someone who has successfully negotiated high salaries in the past.

It also helps to AVOID NEGATIVE PEOPLE!!!! For every one person who is positive and supportive of your efforts, you'll surely find 20 who will tell you "it CAN'T be done!" "You'll NEVER get that much!" "Who do YOU think you are to ask for so much money???"

For every successful salary negotiation I've had, I've had people tell me beforehand that my efforts would end in failure.

[colonel5]

thanks for the tips CHRISGEE, Though I know i'm worth what I'm asking I am very nervous about the amount. This company is use to paying mostly line workers and service technicians, nothing that really requires an education etc (not to dis the guys that work those positions) but I am the first guy like this at my company, so they are not use to paying professionals, just c and d class jobs. Hopefully they are willing to show me that they value my contributions. ;o)

[CHRISGEE]

Well don't leave us hanging. Report back to us once you've had your meeting!!!!

[greyghost]

colonel, best of luck. And do fill us in!