What number?

[Churchill]

Well, been onsite in this contract since February. CIO from the US is out this week and wants to take me to dinner to discuss more permanent arrangements.

No idea what number to suggest to him I might consider going perm for. As ever in these situations, the risk of offending him/the company is quite high. I don't think they can afford me so need to strike the balance right of making that clear whilst at the same time not pissing them off. Also need to cover the remote possibility that if they say yes to the number it's something I'd be happy with.

Decisions decisions. Suity..what would you do? Any less experienced opinions?

Ask him what sort of package he's willing to offer.

He's courting you, not the other way around.

[norrahe]

Depends on what your expectations will be from the role, at your level, it might be easier to see what they are willing to offer.

It also gives you an indication of what they think you are worth.

[Platypus]

My day rate is high enough to make that a very unlikely outcome.

So why the dilemma?

CIO: oracleslave, would you like to earn less?
You: no.

[DirtyDog]

£150k plus package.

You know that if you take it, you'll be back contracting again within a year anyway.

[sasguru]

Whatever number you ask or are offered, it's not worth the crap.
Concentrate on moving up the value chain as an independent operator.
Be your own man and walk proud or you'll turn into a saddo like MF.

[jmo21]

If the permie number is really big, don't risk it.

Simply tell him you are happy running your little consultancy company and not interested in going permanent.

If he wants to play with numbers let him. Maybe he'll keep trying and hit the number you want after a few guesses.

[oracleslave]

This is the main thing you need to worry about IMO.

I have had similar informal discussions recently. I've made it clear that in the past I haven't taken such offers seriously because they've always offered me a pay cut with an "upside" (shares, bonus etc) that if it pays off will mean I just about break even. Why would I take the risk when I won't win anything?

Cheers doodab, this is my current thinking, in fact I had that very share/bonus scenario play out a couple years ago and ended up losing out. Fool me once...

[oracleslave]

What if you simply say "I'd want to be earning as much as I do now, including perks"?

My day rate is lower than sas but high enough to make that a very unlikely outcome.

[doodab]

Also need to cover the remote possibility that if they say yes to the number it's something I'd be happy with.

This is the main thing you need to worry about IMO.

I have had similar informal discussions recently. I've made it clear that in the past I haven't taken such offers seriously because they've always offered me a pay cut with an "upside" (shares, bonus etc) that if it pays off will mean I just about break even. Why would I take the risk when I won't win anything?

[d000hg]

What if you simply say "I'd want to be earning as much as I do now, including perks"?

[MPwannadecentincome]

how big is the company and how senior will you be? The bigger the company then the bigger the wonga and if its a big company then the CIO probably will not be surprised if you ask for a lot he will know what he is prepared to pay. Also you need to think of the number in "package" terms, ie how much is basic salary how much is pension, bonus etc etc.

good luck

[eek]

I think dodgy has suggested a suitable figure elsewhere on this page.....

[SimonMac]

Well, been onsite in this contract since February. CIO from the US is out this week and wants to take me to dinner to discuss more permanent arrangements.

No idea what number to suggest to him I might consider going perm for. As ever in these situations, the risk of offending him/the company is quite high. I don't think they can afford me so need to strike the balance right of making that clear whilst at the same time not pissing them off. Also need to cover the remote possibility that if they say yes to the number it's something I'd be happy with.

Decisions decisions. Suity..what would you do? Any less experienced opinions?

Ask MF's its worked out well for him!

[scooterscot]

If you go perm

hand in your username & p/w on the way out!

[oracleslave]

Well, been onsite in this contract since February. CIO from the US is out this week and wants to take me to dinner to discuss more permanent arrangements.

No idea what number to suggest to him I might consider going perm for. As ever in these situations, the risk of offending him/the company is quite high. I don't think they can afford me so need to strike the balance right of making that clear whilst at the same time not pissing them off. Also need to cover the remote possibility that if they say yes to the number it's something I'd be happy with.

Decisions decisions. Suity..what would you do? Any less experienced opinions?