H o m e . A r c h i v e s . U p d a t e s . E x i t

 

5.25.99

"…not sure if you understand, he is a man of character and he's not trying to low-ball you," Beatrice (fictional name), my staff manager stated.      She has been my staff manager for the past year from the consultant firm here in Rochester. Previously, I had inquired about New York City opportunities with my current firm, seeing how there is a branch office down in that area. My staff manager had put me in touch with a contact in the New York City branch in where a week later, he had called me. One of the few things we had discussed is my consultant pay-rate. Previously doing some comparison shopping, I had a good understanding of what my pay-rate should be, and found it disappointing that my firm could not come close to even matching it; there was a difference factor of one hundred percent.      The phone conversation continued, "I just don't understand how it could be so low," I stated.      "Not sure if that is low," she responded defensively.      "It's low."      "How do you know it's low? On what criteria are you basing your facts on? What knowledge of the billing rates can you possibly have? Do you have any experience working in the New York market? It's a different world. Are you sure you're prepared? Do you have the experience to work in the financial and legal markets?" She continued onward and after a few minutes I felt an obligation to interrupt.      "…Beatrice, I have done extensive research for the past nine months. I have called around, asked other employers what their thoughts were. I have held exploratory interviews with other consultants. I've done my homework. We are in one of the hottest fields right now. I have some of the hottest skills. I am entering one of the two hottest places in the world right now, the other being Silicon Valley. I'd like to think I'm basing it all on facts and accurate statistical data."      "You have to be certain of what you state here."      "I can state the current billing rate to clients pertaining to a certain assignment, and I know what I should get paid."      "I'm not sure if we can do what you ask. You realize that if this is what you believe, then June 18th, your last day there as a consultant at Kodak, is effectively your termination date here with us also."      "That is fine," I pause feeling slightly shocked. Gathering my breath I state, "I just don't understand how other agencies can offer me that rate and my own firm cannot."      "What do you mean?"      "What I mean is that-yes, I have been price shopping, and I have been getting quotes for those rates I am asking. Beatrice, you even stated yourself that I am one of the branch's most valuable employees. I'd like to believe I'm worth it. Even in New York City."      After a pregnant pause, "Do you feel that the New York City branch may not be marketing you correctly then?"      "All I'm stating is that I have been receiving offers for the rates I have been asking for by other agencies."      "Let me contact the New York City branch again and see what they say."

I did not mean to imply that I was greedy. Maybe I am a bit ambitious. I just do not think it's justifiable that my firm offers me half of what another firm was willing to offer. It is easy enough to walk over to the other firm and start employment there. I know this. Maybe I have a chip on my shoulder. I don't know this. There is a part of me that wants my firm to know that I am capable. Tell me that the overhead is too high to offer me that rate. Tell me that our marketing department cannot sell me that aggressively. Tell me anything. Just don't tell me that I may not be good enough. Because I know I am.

What should I do? Any suggestions? Another channel I can also take is to incorporate myself and start my own business-a one man consulting firm. I could ravage around the NYC area with my own company cell-phone, carry my own company briefcase, and wear my own company suit. That sounds like a very high jump though. Very tempting. Very risky. Should I take it? Hmm…sounds like I have given it some serious thought. Oh, cliffhanger.

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