End of year review - car + fuel-card or pay rise??

**jrandom** · 30th November 2007, 11:57

When I started my first job in industry in January 2000, I made it a goal to increase my income by a certain fixed amount every year, one way or another.

If we're just looking at salary, I'll be behind my goal by $15K come January 2008, but it hasn't been a bad run, really, all things considered. I've been employed by four different companies over that period. If you want to play the 'career' game, you have to strategise over time.

It's worth remembering that life isn't all about 9-5 jobs, salaries, and hourly rates, though. There are much more interesting and lucrative ways of paying for one's daily bread.

**RantyDave** · 30th November 2007, 11:57

Originally Posted by carbacca

should i ask for a payrise or perks like car + fuel card etc? i spend about $70 every two weeks commuting so that would be a fair saving for me.

I guess it's a bit late now, but my 2c:

* Ask for a car. Point out that this whole nicking the manager's car thing is a shitfight and that it would make everyone's life easier if they provided you with some description of vehicle to truck around in - and besides, it would be nice. If you're out of the office a few times a week anyway it's a legitimate expense for the company. They'll probably get a fleet car, it will almost certainly be a Hyundai. Don't complain. If you don't get a car contemplate buying your own and charging the company mileage.

* If the company has already decided on some hokey pay rise formula then stick with it.

I don't think this is gen Y "give it to me" at all. 9 months is cutting it a bit fine, but since the car is leased by the company and doesn't actually belong to you I can't see it being a problem. The Gen-Y thing is gits falling out of uni and expecting to be on 85k and a gym membership. It happens. Really.

Dave

**RantyDave** · 30th November 2007, 11:58

Originally Posted by jrandom

There are much more interesting and lucrative ways of paying for one's daily bread.

Anything related to cocaine and home made submarines, for instance. Or if you really have no ethics, go work for a hedge fund.

Dave

**carbacca** · 30th November 2007, 12:04

was pleasane enough, was still told i was doing everything right, got crazy high marks that hasnt been given out before so i got my percentage of 3% blanket raise

as for anymore...got told to come back in a year/next review or do something REALLY REALLY fantastic during the year. they knew i wasnt going to pack up and leave so i think i got calledup on that. however was told i am next in line for my managers job if he dropped dead one day so yeah

its just time i guess...something i got a moderate amount of

**Nasty** · 30th November 2007, 12:08

Congrats on what you did receive .. my feeling is it is well deserved. Never go into those meetings wanting nothing as that is what you will get - so well done.

**Hitcher** · 30th November 2007, 12:13

Originally Posted by carbacca

the thing i cant make up my mind about is should i ask for a payrise or perks like car + fuel card etc?

I guess there's no harm in asking. But the issue that should form the basis of a productive conversation with your employer needs to focus around what's in it (your employment relationship) for them, rather than what's in it for you.

Let's do some maths: Most collective agreements are currently averaging around 3% increases for their members. Let's say you're earning $60,000. 3% of that is $1,800. If you have been a "high performing" employee, you may be able to wangle yourself around 7%, or a $4,200 increase.

Car plus fuel-card as part of a salary package (i.e. full personal use) is generally valued by most employers at about $15,000, plus or minus, depending on the car.

I wish you every success in getting as large a merit-based increase as possible. But I seriously think that you need to do a bit of a reality check before "asking" favours from your employer.

**vifferman** · 30th November 2007, 12:26

Originally Posted by jrandom

Generally, once you take on a defined position at a defined salary at a particular company, you can't expect them to go significantly changing what they pay you to do that job over time.

I'm basically fukt then.
I bin hear nealry 18 munce, and no pay increase at all in that time. In real terms, when I started I was getting less than where I used to work, and (theoretically) working more hours.

But then again, I don't value myself very highly, so I don't expect the company to. And the vifferbabe earns nearly twice what do, so it's kinda irrelevant.

**James Deuce** · 30th November 2007, 12:27

Originally Posted by vifferman

But then again, I don't value myself very highly, so I don't expect the company to. And the vifferbabe earns nearly twice what do, so it's kinda irrelevant.

I'm with him. Been here 4 years and had one increase that averaged out at less than inflation.

**Drum** · 30th November 2007, 13:02

Originally Posted by Jim2

Work for a Govt (local or otherwise) do we?

It is an unrealistic expectation to expect your employer to match inflation. If you want more money, MOST of us have to go get a new job.

Nope. I work in engineering consulting for a company that appreciates the work I do (and understands the supply/ demand situation).

I don't expect to get a payrise greater than inflation for maintaining the status quo though. Each year I develop more skills and make more of a contribution to the company. Therefore more money.

**LilSel** · 30th November 2007, 13:12

I've been at my current job for 3 n a half years... from my starting rate to what I am on now, total increase of 11,800....

new job I am starting in a couple of weeks, salary is +5k from what on now+car+fuel card+southern X+life insurance+cell phone+1/4'ly bonuses

**Fatjim** · 30th November 2007, 14:46

Originally Posted by Jim2

I'm with him. Been here 4 years and had one increase that averaged out at less than inflation.

Yes, but you do work for what is quite possibly the most tight arsed IT company in NZ. Mate, half the place I work for is ex !@#!@$@#$

So why don;t you leave, a prospective employee would not think bad of you for giving a reason for leaving as dissatisfaction with your current employer.

**James Deuce** · 30th November 2007, 14:51

I might actually have to do some work if I leave.

I couldn't bear it!

**The Pastor** · 30th November 2007, 15:06

i'd rather have a 15k bonus every year than a car, thats a new motorbike baby.

**Motu** · 30th November 2007, 20:39

I've just turned down a car and fuel,taken a $15,000 cut in pay,and leave a great guy to work for next week.Life's like a box of chocolates - sometimes you can give the box to someone else and have an apple.