“It’s probably hard for you to move someone this time of year Adam, with it being bonus time…” This is something a handful of people say to me this time of year…even in the years when most banks were not paying bonuses. It’s like bankers are conditioned to think this way. Who can blame them?
The answer is yes. It is harder to move people this time of year, but not impossible. In fact, for some…it’s not even that difficult. “Oh, you must be talking about sign on bonuses right Adam?” Well, not always. I am talking about logic. Something I decide to dabble in from time to time.
Yes, bonus money comes into play with my candidates, my clients and in turn myself this time of year and really for the next few months, but it doesn’t always get in the way. Even for strong candidates expecting strong bonuses soon. One key reason for this is sometimes the long term opportunity outweighs the short term “gain” of the bonus check. If I have to explain how, then I either have the wrong audience here or I have underestimated the intelligence of humanity. Either way, I will explain, albeit briefly.
A bonus is a one-time thing. A better opportunity is not. A better salary is not. A better chance to move forward year after year is not. I could go on…I won’t.
This is not just talk either…I believe it. When I left my old firm 5 years ago to start an agency with John Morris, I left money on the table. I had commission checks coming in. So what? I always would. It was painful, but I understood that without risk there would be no reward. There would not be a “good time” to take a step out.
Can everyone take that risk? No. Should everyone take that risk…no. That is not the point, the point is that during this time of year my job is bit harder, but not simply because of bonus money. Vacation schedules, reflective attitudes people have, holidays, budgeting and yes bonus money make life a little different for me, my candidates and my clients this time of year…but everyone (including my clients’) ability to weigh risk vs. reward is what I enjoy most about this time of year. Well, that and football.