Seeking Advice: New Desk Compensation
Hi everyone, I’m looking for your insights on a situation I’m currently navigating.
I’ve been given the opportunity to establish a new cold desk in Life Sciences starting in October after I expressed my interest in this area.
Since joining this recruitment agency in April, which focuses on Healthcare, I’ve billed over £33k from five deals, three of which were just last month. I’m currently averaging an additional £1,000 per month in commission, and I anticipate further improvement. I also bring about two years of recruitment experience to the table.
However, transitioning to a new desk means stepping away from this reliable commission stream, and I understand it may take six months—or longer—to close my first deal, with a consistent profit likely taking 12 to 18 months. This change presents a significant risk as I’ll be starting from the ground up in a new sector.
A sales manager I know suggested that I negotiate for an additional £1,000/month for the first six months to help offset the commission I’ll be relinquishing while I establish the new desk.
My questions are:
- Is this a reasonable request to make?
- If not, what alternatives could I consider?
- Am I justified in seeking compensation for this transition, or should I embrace the change at my current rate?
Thanks in advance for your valuable advice!
RCadmin
Hi there,
First off, congratulations on the opportunity to build a new desk in Life Sciences! It’s great to see your ambition paying off. It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about stepping away from a steady commission structure, especially given how well you’ve performed in your current desk.
Is negotiating for an extra £1,000/month reasonable?
Yes, it’s definitely a reasonable request, especially considering your achievements and the risk involved in transitioning to a new desk. It shows that you are aware of the potential downsides and are actively thinking about how to protect your income during the transition period. Be prepared to discuss the rationale behind your request, emphasizing your track record and the expected ramp-up time in the new sector.
What else could you ask for?
If an extra monthly compensation isn’t feasible, here are a few alternatives:
Support resources: Request mentorship or support from more experienced colleagues in the new field, additional training, or leads to help you quickly get up to speed.
Should you be compensated for the transition?
Yes, it’s very reasonable to expect some compensation or support during this transition. You’re taking a calculated risk by moving to a new sector where you don’t have an established network yet. By negotiating for this, you’re not just protecting your interests, but you’re also showing your management that you take this transition seriously and are committed to making it successful.
Ultimately, it really depends on your company culture and how they handle transitions like these. If they value your contributions and see your potential in the new desk, they are likely to support your request. Good luck with the negotiation and the new desk! You’ve got this!