Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

I got my bonus this yr and it was 75.00 less then usual. I understand the economy iis bad. I am at my job 18 yrs. I really apprecite any bonus I get. I do alot at my office. The girl I work w/ does half the work as me, and he says he feels sorry for her, she has familiy issues. I do not feel so bad for her, she should not bring her work issues to the office were it interferes w/ her work.My boss says he really is appreciative of me and my work. I do everything in that office. My boss has $$, he got a new jag this yr and helped his son out w/ a new co op building. he said I am very generous and not to get him my usual cookie, chocolate platter and to save my money in this economy. when I spoke to him the week before about the other girl who works w/ me he looked like he was going to cry.... She got the same bonus as me- I find this weird. What are your thoughts on this??? Myboss says I am one of the most generous people he has ever met.I have niot had a raise in yrs...My Dh says I am being taken advantage of...

Message edited 12/10/2009 3:49:39 PM.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

I think you should be thankful that you get a bonus at all and leave well enough alone, JMHO

not to say that I cannot understand why you would be hurt / upset that she got the same as you but I would not worry too much, so many people are just looking for a job, never mind a bonus

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

Posted by pinkandblue

I think you should be thankful that you get a bonus at all and leave well enough alone, JMHO

not to say that I cannot understand why you would be hurt / upset that she got the same as you but I would not worry too much, so many people are just looking for a job, never mind a bonus

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

I am getting less than a third of the bonus I got 2 years ago and I billed 30% more hours. Last year, I billed more than the year before and still got a lower bonus. I'll be getting about the same bonus as people who billed 40+% less that I am...

BUT I have a good job with steady income and job security in a very unstable market. That has been my bonus the past two years.

Yes, I am very annoyed that I have made LESS money the past two years (in total) than I did the two years before that... but I survived two rounds of layoffs. I really can't complain. (Doesn't stop me from complaining, but I shouldn't...)

Compensation in my field is lock-step based on seniority, though... so anyone who gets a bonus basically gets the same amount.

Message edited 12/10/2009 4:04:01 PM.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

I am guessing the other girl has not worked there as long? If that's the case it would bother me but there's nothing I could do about it so I would let it go. How he spends his own money (not company money) doesnt really matter.

I would be equally bothered that he told you that you two got the same bonus. Unless you work in the accounting or payroll dept, it's not information he should share.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

Yeah, it would bother me.

I would have to let it go though.

If you are working for someone for 18 years and haven't gotten a raise in years something is really wrong though.

I would sit down with him next month and detail what you do and show him what others with your education and expertise are making in the industry.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

Posted by princess99

Posted by pinkandblue

I think you should be thankful that you get a bonus at all and leave well enough alone, JMHO

not to say that I cannot understand why you would be hurt / upset that she got the same as you but I would not worry too much, so many people are just looking for a job, never mind a bonus

I did not put this up to be flamed. I am happy I have a job, a bonus is a bonus, but my boss never did this to me EVER. I just find it weird. I know I am lucky to have a job-

Message edited 12/10/2009 4:09:31 PM.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

Posted by Christine

I am guessing the other girl has not worked there as long? If that's the case it would bother me but there's nothing I could do about it so I would let it go. How he spends his own money (not company money) doesnt really matter.

I would be equally bothered that he told you that you two got the same bonus. Unless you work in the accounting or payroll dept, it's not information he should share.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

I will also say that before the economy took a down turn, I thought that I was underpaid...I set up a meeting with my boss, told him how I felt, gave examples on why I felt that a raise was warranted and I got a 20% raise

It is worth a chat if it is bothering you

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

I would be annoyed too, noone likes to get less money than the year before. I'm not sure I would have spoken to hima bout it though, and you should def. speak w/ him about a raise. If you don't get one, maybe you should start looking for a new position.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

Posted by Christine

I am guessing the other girl has not worked there as long? If that's the case it would bother me but there's nothing I could do about it so I would let it go. How he spends his own money (not company money) doesnt really matter.

I would be equally bothered that he told you that you two got the same bonus. Unless you work in the accounting or payroll dept, it's not information he should share.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

it would bother me...

Your boss should read the netflix model:

slideshare.net/reed2001/culture-1798664

I particularly like:

adequate performance gets a generous severance package

and

What would you pay your employee if they told you were going to leave - that's what they should be getting now!

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

I understand why you'd be upset about the equal bonuses if you are doing more work. That information should not have been shared.

Your boss buying a Jaguar & helping his son out financially doesn't translate to you should get a raise. Being well below market value does.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

Just to put in in perspective, I am not getting a bonus this year. On top of a pay cut in 2009, I have another paycut coming in 2010. This affects every associate attorney across the board. And we are the lucky ones that weren't laid off. I lost about 70% of my colleagues in my specific department in the past year.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

It seems from your post that everyone probably got the same amount across the board, and often, like it or not, that's how it goes.

I also think it's dangerous to judge yourself based on others finances.

For all you know, your boss bought everything on credit and is drowning in debt.

Maybe he came into money as the result of a loss of a parent or someone.

I also know there are lots of people who get away with murder at work and still get compensated well for what they "don't do". However, I've learned that if you fixate on them and what they aren't doing, it's only going to affect YOUR work negatively.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

Message edited 12/11/2009 1:24:48 PM.

Re: Holiday bonus question, thoughts etc.

I would be less bothered by the bonus situation then the fact you feel underpaid. If that is case I would bring it up to you boss with the relevant points to support your case. If he says no, either change jobs or accept the situation.