Seeking Advice: New Desk Compensation
Hello everyone! I’m looking for your guidance on a situation I’m currently navigating.
I’ve been given the opportunity to start a new cold desk in Life Sciences beginning in October, due to my expressed interest in taking on this challenge.
Since joining my recruitment agency in April, which specializes in Healthcare, I’ve successfully billed over £33k across five deals—three of which were completed just last month. I’m currently earning an additional £1,000 per month in commission, and I anticipate that will continue to grow. I also bring around two years of recruitment experience to the table.
However, transitioning to this new desk means stepping away from my current, steady commission stream. I understand that it might take 6 months to close a deal, and up to 12-18 months to achieve consistent profitability. This transition also carries more risk as I’ll be starting from scratch in an unfamiliar sector.
A sales manager I know suggested that I negotiate an additional £1,000 per month for the first six months to offset the commission I’m relinquishing while I work to establish the new desk.
My questions are:
- Is it reasonable to request this additional compensation?
- If that’s not feasible, what other forms of support could I consider asking for?
- Am I being unreasonable in thinking I should be compensated for this transition, or should I go ahead with the current compensation package?
Thank you in advance for your valuable insights!
RCadmin
Hi there!
It sounds like you’re facing an exciting yet challenging opportunity! Here are my thoughts on your questions:
Is this a reasonable thing to negotiate?
Absolutely! It’s not uncommon for employees to negotiate their compensation when taking on a new role or making a significant transition. Since you’re moving into a new desk with potential risks, it’s completely reasonable to ask for an extra £1,000 per month to cover the initial loss in commission while you’re building up your new client base. This not only provides financial stability during your transition but also reflects the added responsibility you’ll be taking on.
If not, what else could I ask for?
If they are hesitant to give you the additional £1,000, consider negotiating for other forms of support. Options could include:
Additional resources or support, such as marketing assistance or training, to help kickstart your success in the new desk.
Am I wrong to think I should be compensated for this transition, or should I just take the leap at my current rate?
You’re not wrong at all! It’s smart to think about your financial wellbeing when making a significant career move. While taking the leap can be rewarding, ensuring that you have a safety net during the transition will allow you to focus on building the new desk without the stress of immediate financial loss. If you feel strongly about the opportunity and are committed to making it a success, then negotiating for compensation is a fair approach.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between your current stability and your future growth potential. Arm yourself with your past achievements, such as your impressive billing track record, to strengthen your negotiation. Good luck, and I hope it all works out well for you!