My Creative Director pal at an IPG agency (ahem soon to be acquired) was just offered a 10k retention bonus to stay through the end of the year. She has to pay it back if she leaves before then. She’s been perusing jobs elsewhere, but not heavily.

Is 10k (6k after taxes) lowballing or somewhat standard?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Take the money.
Dont spend it.
Keep looking for a gig.
If she finds a gig she really likes before the end of the year, just give it back.
If she doesn’t find a gig she likes, the money’s hers.

(10k before tax is a little light. But also, it’s free money)

likesmarthelpful

OP, if they give the money back, they didn’t earn it, so no tax is due. The company would need to give a W-2 that shows they paid the money back, and they’d get the tax overpayment as a refund when they file their tax return. (Or they can adjust their withholding at their new job to have less taken out until they’re even. Best to consult an accountant).

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If clients like her and the sale to omnicom puts the account in jeopardy, she’s being lowballed.

Counter with saying she would accept the offer only if adding a provision that if they lay her off within 18 months she’s owed 50% of her salary for termination of any reason.

She can trade a bad offer for job security.

likesmart

The uno reverse. Love it.

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Take it. Keep looking. If she finds a new gig, give it back.

$10k is a f’n joke. Omnicon is going to lay her off after anyway.

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I’m at IPG, how do I get one of those lol

funnylike

How far would 10k get you and your family in this economy?

likesmart

Felt that

For a CD, that’s a cost of living adjustment. If you are okay there, the ask for language the protects your during the acquisition. If not, plan your exit over 12 months while building your resume.

This is a loyalty test.

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yeah that’s a good idea. I’m sure they wouldn’t add that but I’ll let her know.

For a CD? That's like nothing per paycheck after taxes. Keep lookin and bounce, don't let 10k hold ya back

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I have never heard anyone getting a retention bonus/raise in advertising

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I smell bs

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https://www.linkedin.com/feed/news/89m-people-have-multiple-jobs-6343012

Do not take the bait. There’s a clause in those that says you will pay it back if you leave in the next 2 years. Given the taxes that will come out right away, you’ll be in literal debt to pay it back. Point out the clause to the HR team and they’ll revoke the bonus. Bad news.

It depends on her situation. Staying is risky. But if there’s no new job to go to staying is preferable. I’d get them by the short and curly’s: they must be desperate and if they are I’d ask for $30k 😅

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