NEGOTIATION
How to Maximize Your Lifetime Earning Potential
Your most significant salary jumps typically occur when you accept a new job at another company.
Once you’re inside a system, the policies for raises and promotions aren’t very flexible. Your manager has a little wiggle room, but not much.
That new job offer is your chance to make the most significant impact on your lifetime earning potential.
Bonus
The bonus (i.e., signing bonus) is where the manager has the most flexibility to sweeten the deal. Just saying “No” to a job offer resulted in a crazy bonus increase for one job I was considering.
The size of the bonus does depend on your level and job title (more on this below). Some entry-level positions may not have a bonus at all.
You may also qualify for reimbursement of your moving expenses (i.e., relo) if you will be moving to accept the job. Do not confuse this with a “bonus.” Also, don’t let them try to refer to this as a bonus. It is not.
One thing to keep in mind, most bonuses (and relo) require repayment if you quit the job before the amount of time specified in your employment agreement. This time can range from one to five years.
