Postpone join date to get bonus from prev company

New
gg wp

New

gg wp
Nov 29, 2021 7 Comments

I am in the negotiation phase with a company. Offer is not that big of an increase compared to what I am making, so I'm in a state which I can easily say no, or renege. BUT I also know there are other candidates in final stages trying to get this role, so it's a bit competitive.

They want me to start early January, but I said I won't be able to do that because I need to take some time off.

Now they want me to start Jan 24th. Normally it's fine, but I've just realized my current company pays 2021 bonuses on mid Feb. I am expecting to get $15k so it doesn't really make sense for me to move before that day. Adding 2 weeks notice period to that, I don't think I can start before March 1st.

What should I do?

Current tc: $200k
Negotiated tc: $230k

#software #engineering #career #negotiation #startdate

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TOP 7 Comments
  • Mozilla
    TOYV61

    Go to company page Mozilla

    TOYV61
    I have been in a similar situation before. Start date is just one more part of the negotiations. I was honest and they offered to give me a signing bonus to start sooner that was 80% of what my other bonus would be and an additional 2% bump in base in the offer.

    I will likely be in this situation nearly exactly as I’m interviewing now and our bonus pays out in February. Either I start March 1 or new company pays signing bonus.
    Nov 29, 2021 1
    • New
      gg wp

      New

      gg wp
      OP
      I've never though it as part of the negotiations, great point!

      The bad thing is because they don't have relocation bonus and I need to relocate for this role, they said they are giving me the highest possible sign-on money for my grade level.

      I'm not sure if I can use my current bonus to bump this :/

      Do you think it's better to negotiate first without mentioning this bonus (using competing offers) and after getting a bump re-negotiate using current company bonus? Or should I go all in?
      Nov 29, 2021
  • See if they will cover the bonus with sign-on.
    Nov 29, 2021 2
    • New
      gg wp

      New

      gg wp
      OP
      I'll try to do that but my options are limited. Pasting the comment I replied to another thread

      The bad thing is because they don't have relocation bonus and I need to relocate for this role, they said they are giving me the highest possible sign-on money for my grade level.

      I'm not sure if I can use my current bonus to bump this :/

      Do you think it's better to negotiate first without mentioning this bonus (using competing offers) and after getting a bump re-negotiate using current company bonus? Or should I go all in?
      Nov 29, 2021
    • I think you should be honest with them and not hold back. Be too high maintenance and the hiring manager will move on with another candidate.
      Nov 29, 2021
  • New
    gg wp

    New

    gg wp
    OP
    Follow up: To all people who selected "Be honest" option, would it be same if offer is better, and I can't say no or reneg due to financial reasons
    Nov 29, 2021 1
    • Oil-Dri
      I h8 myJob

      Oil-Dri

      I h8 myJob
      No, if TC is way more I would have selected “forget about the bonus” option. But tbh 15k is 6 month of your new increase, of the new company could give you that as a sign on, that will be great, if not, stick with your current company until you get your money! Unless you feel there is a great risk that you might lose your new job (of course)
      Nov 29, 2021