I've been in the industry now for a little over 14yrs. now. Like any other small sign shop I've had my fair share of up's and down's. I truly enjoy doing what I've chosen as a career, but unfortunately when I look at the financial-end of things at the end of the year I find in reality I'm hardly staying afloat. Sure, I could try some new marketing tactics and other things to help promote my business (which I have) but the way I look at it is if it hasn't happened in the amount of time I've dedicated so far, I might just be better off looking for another job and do my signwork on the side?
Being out of the real workforce and looking for a job is definitely intimidating. I do have a 4yr. degree in Graphic Design, but being out of college since 1996 I am a little "prehistoric" when it comes to Photoshop and other programs if I were to look for a career directly in my field? There are also the other jobs (grocery clerk, car wash attendant, landscaper) etc. All good hardworking jobs of course, but not quite the avenue I'd like to take I think (even if I can keep my small business on the side).
Last night I saw an ad from a very reputible sign company in my area, preferably looking for an experienced sign maker (which I feel I fit the category). The owner got right back to me within a 1/2 hour, and seemed excited to speak with me. I spoke with him this morning, and he said he had heard of my business before and knew I've been in the industry for quite awhile. We talked a little about the details of the job, and it definitely seemed right up my alley! He also said he's looking for immediate help, and could start me around 45 hrs. per week. So far so good right? Well, I'm not sure if the $15.00 per hour is what he's paid his previous employees (who usually came in without any experience) or if that is what he was hoping to offer me? I just know there is really no way I could afford to work for that amount unfortunately.
Another concern he had was the fact we're in the same field, and our situation could turn into a potential "conflict of interest"? He had also said he'd be interested in talking about a "No Compete" clause in the deal. My take on all of it is there is no way I can cover my own benefits, take care of my daughter's daycare, and make a car and house payment on $15.00... while shutting down my business. I would most definitely have to rely on working at night with my own business just to cover things that my new position might likely not be able to. He had also mentioned something about working together, and bringing my clients over to his business. One problem I have with that is that although I'm not where I want to be right now, I have worked hard to be where I'm at. To just more or less "give" customers to someone, I feel I am not only taking a huge risk if things don't pan out working there (and I have to go back on my own), it would also help HIM out immensely. Let's not forget, when you hire someone your goal should be to profit off of them somewhat. That is just part of taking the risk and being the owner of something... to sometimes be able to enjoy those extra profits I understand.
I'm thinking this, and I'm wondering if I'll appear I'm shooting for the moon? In order to help cover the fact I won't receive benefits, have a 1 hr. total commute now, and what I'll need to cover my monthly responsibilities I would like to ask for $20+ per hour. This would include me NOT taking on any new customers (as I just wouldn't have the time now anyway) and any customers I decide to bring over with me I feel I should receive some sort of commission per job? I mean, the owner didn't have to pay for advertising or spend any additional effort to get these new customers. I brought them with me, and I'm taking a chance that if I decide to leave the business and go back to work for myself. That my customers may decide to stay there instead?
I have about 4 or 5 customers that account for well over 50% of my annual sales. Not 50% the amount of time I spend working... just my revenue. With that, they are my five favorites of course and the one's I would most definitely not want to lose if things went south. Those customers I am going to shoot to keep, but the other's I wouldn't mind sending over to my new work as long as I were to receive some sort of compensation?
Am I way off base here? I know it is a tough economy right now, and you have people doing different jobs far from what they were used to or went to school for (just to have a job). I don't want to come across as cocky or arrogant or anything to him, just want to let him know where I need to stand on this of course. $15.00 might be his best offer, but I KNOW that no matter what I need to get a fair amount more than that or I'd be better off working at my local Home Depot part time for benefits and extra income. I think my offer of $20.00 per hour and a commission on the customers I bring to him is pretty fair. He says he's had plenty of non-experienced workers in the past, and said he'd like to find his "right hand man" so to speak. This tells me he might be prepared to pay a little more to get that right person, but I guess that will be determinded?
Do you think this is a fair offer to him, or am I looking at a $15.00 per hour "take it or leave it" deal? (I'm in the Northeast if that helps with compensation). Thank you!
Being out of the real workforce and looking for a job is definitely intimidating. I do have a 4yr. degree in Graphic Design, but being out of college since 1996 I am a little "prehistoric" when it comes to Photoshop and other programs if I were to look for a career directly in my field? There are also the other jobs (grocery clerk, car wash attendant, landscaper) etc. All good hardworking jobs of course, but not quite the avenue I'd like to take I think (even if I can keep my small business on the side).
Last night I saw an ad from a very reputible sign company in my area, preferably looking for an experienced sign maker (which I feel I fit the category). The owner got right back to me within a 1/2 hour, and seemed excited to speak with me. I spoke with him this morning, and he said he had heard of my business before and knew I've been in the industry for quite awhile. We talked a little about the details of the job, and it definitely seemed right up my alley! He also said he's looking for immediate help, and could start me around 45 hrs. per week. So far so good right? Well, I'm not sure if the $15.00 per hour is what he's paid his previous employees (who usually came in without any experience) or if that is what he was hoping to offer me? I just know there is really no way I could afford to work for that amount unfortunately.
Another concern he had was the fact we're in the same field, and our situation could turn into a potential "conflict of interest"? He had also said he'd be interested in talking about a "No Compete" clause in the deal. My take on all of it is there is no way I can cover my own benefits, take care of my daughter's daycare, and make a car and house payment on $15.00... while shutting down my business. I would most definitely have to rely on working at night with my own business just to cover things that my new position might likely not be able to. He had also mentioned something about working together, and bringing my clients over to his business. One problem I have with that is that although I'm not where I want to be right now, I have worked hard to be where I'm at. To just more or less "give" customers to someone, I feel I am not only taking a huge risk if things don't pan out working there (and I have to go back on my own), it would also help HIM out immensely. Let's not forget, when you hire someone your goal should be to profit off of them somewhat. That is just part of taking the risk and being the owner of something... to sometimes be able to enjoy those extra profits I understand.
I'm thinking this, and I'm wondering if I'll appear I'm shooting for the moon? In order to help cover the fact I won't receive benefits, have a 1 hr. total commute now, and what I'll need to cover my monthly responsibilities I would like to ask for $20+ per hour. This would include me NOT taking on any new customers (as I just wouldn't have the time now anyway) and any customers I decide to bring over with me I feel I should receive some sort of commission per job? I mean, the owner didn't have to pay for advertising or spend any additional effort to get these new customers. I brought them with me, and I'm taking a chance that if I decide to leave the business and go back to work for myself. That my customers may decide to stay there instead?
I have about 4 or 5 customers that account for well over 50% of my annual sales. Not 50% the amount of time I spend working... just my revenue. With that, they are my five favorites of course and the one's I would most definitely not want to lose if things went south. Those customers I am going to shoot to keep, but the other's I wouldn't mind sending over to my new work as long as I were to receive some sort of compensation?
Am I way off base here? I know it is a tough economy right now, and you have people doing different jobs far from what they were used to or went to school for (just to have a job). I don't want to come across as cocky or arrogant or anything to him, just want to let him know where I need to stand on this of course. $15.00 might be his best offer, but I KNOW that no matter what I need to get a fair amount more than that or I'd be better off working at my local Home Depot part time for benefits and extra income. I think my offer of $20.00 per hour and a commission on the customers I bring to him is pretty fair. He says he's had plenty of non-experienced workers in the past, and said he'd like to find his "right hand man" so to speak. This tells me he might be prepared to pay a little more to get that right person, but I guess that will be determinded?
Do you think this is a fair offer to him, or am I looking at a $15.00 per hour "take it or leave it" deal? (I'm in the Northeast if that helps with compensation). Thank you!