Stay or Go? Seeking Advice
Hey everyone,
I’m a 26-year-old male who just moved in with my partner, and I’m eager to start saving for a house. I’ve been with my current firm since graduating college, and I’ve been there for about 3.5 years.
I work in full-desk IT staffing, specializing in the .NET stack. Unfortunately, this means I can only pursue roles related to .NET development or SQL and I have to pass on opportunities in Java, QA, etc., since we don’t get any kickback from those teams.
Last year, I earned $92K on a W2, billing a total of $500K. Just to clarify, that figure represents total fees, not what my firm takes home. My company is a large, national firm with over 10 offices, and my local office has around 30 employees.
So far this year, I’ve billed $382K through permanent placements, contracting, and consulting fees. I’ve successfully picked up 28 job orders and made 10 placements.
I’m currently on a draw of $70K, which is spread across 13 pay periods (about 4 weeks to collect). I earn 13% of the fees I generate, and I receive an additional 3% if a teammate closes a deal.
My team has billed a total of $913K this year. I’ve received $70K in gross pay and just collected my first two commission checks of $6K each during the same pay period last month.
I really enjoy working with my colleagues, though we do see a high turnover with entry-level staff, which can be frustrating at times – we often have people tearing up at their desks.
I have a few questions that I’d love your insights on:
- Am I being compensated fairly?
- Is it time to consider moving to another firm where I can transition off the draw?
- I’m sometimes given pass-through jobs; is it worth giving this up?
- Would it be better to switch to a firm where I can recruit for all technologies?
- Any general career advice you can offer?
Thanks for your help!
RCadmin
Hey there,
Congrats on taking the step to move in with your partner and starting to think about saving for a house! That’s an exciting phase in life. It sounds like you have a solid understanding of your current role and performance, but let’s break down your questions:
Am I compensated currently?
Based on the figures you shared, it seems like your base draw of $70k with potential commissions is fairly average for your role in the staffing industry, especially with your experience level. However, with billing at 382k and only having received a gross pay of $70k, it seems like your commission structure might not be as beneficial as it could be for your production level. It might be worth comparing industry standards for your position in your region to see if you’re being compensated fairly.
Is it time to move to another firm where I can come off draw?
If you feel like your compensation doesn’t reflect your contributions or your growth potential is stunted within your current firm, it might be time to consider a move. Coming off the draw structure usually brings better earning potential and can lead to a more stable income based on actual production. Take some time to research firms that align with your skills, especially those that allow you to work with a broader range of technologies.
I do get fed some passover jobs. Is that worth giving up?
Passover jobs can be a nice safety net, especially when you’re starting to build your pipeline. However, if they limit your ability to expand your skillset or work on higher-value placements, it might be worth the trade-off to move to a role where you have more freedom to pursue different technology stacks. The decision often depends on your immediate financial needs versus your long-term career aspirations.
Is it better to go somewhere where I can hunt all technologies and not just .NET?
Yes, diversifying your scope can open up many more opportunities. By being able to work with different technologies, you can increase your chances of placements, connect with a wider range of clients, and boost your earning potential. It might also lead to further career growth in the future.
Any just career advice?
Keep setting goals for yourself, both short-term and long-term. Networking is essential, so consider attending industry events or meetups to connect with other professionals. Look for training opportunities or certifications that could enhance your skill set. Lastly, don’t hesitate to have open conversations with your current employer about your career goals and potential growth opportunities — you might be surprised at what they’re willing to offer to keep you.
Good luck with your decision-making process, and remember to prioritize your growth and happiness in your career!