How should a part-time independent contractor ask for a raise

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I work part time for an engineering consulting firm. I have been working there for about 9 months with the last 6 months being very consistent - the engagement built up slowly. My hours vary between 5-20 hours a week, and are not dependent on how often they need me, but whether I have the time (finishing up a secondary degree) and whether or not they gave the funds.



The pay rate is considerable when compared to the stipend I receive from the university for doing non-research work for 20 hours a week, but since I am a contractor that rate is greatly reduced by the taxes I am paying out of that rate.



I recently had to review some project documents, and learned that the rate the company charges clients for my time if 5-7 times the pre-tax rate they pay me.



I am wondering if this is normal (I have no idea about typical pay versus charge rates), and if not whether this ratio means that there might be some wiggle room that might allow me to ask for a small hourly raise.



Now, as a contractor I imagine many would say to me, "Just charge what you deem yourself worth!" But I believe myself and the company both really think of me as a part-time employee that will come on full-time when my degree is finished. At the same time I've gotten nothing but compliments on my work, quality and speed, and could still use a small bump (saving for a house). Additionally, I imagine my full-time rate would initially be based on my part-time rate, minus some amount due to bringing some of the taxes and costs (healthcare) inside the company.



So what is the typical multiplier? And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?







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  • Possible duplicate of workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/44168/…
    – Jane S♦
    Jul 2 '15 at 0:24
















up vote
2
down vote

favorite
1












I work part time for an engineering consulting firm. I have been working there for about 9 months with the last 6 months being very consistent - the engagement built up slowly. My hours vary between 5-20 hours a week, and are not dependent on how often they need me, but whether I have the time (finishing up a secondary degree) and whether or not they gave the funds.



The pay rate is considerable when compared to the stipend I receive from the university for doing non-research work for 20 hours a week, but since I am a contractor that rate is greatly reduced by the taxes I am paying out of that rate.



I recently had to review some project documents, and learned that the rate the company charges clients for my time if 5-7 times the pre-tax rate they pay me.



I am wondering if this is normal (I have no idea about typical pay versus charge rates), and if not whether this ratio means that there might be some wiggle room that might allow me to ask for a small hourly raise.



Now, as a contractor I imagine many would say to me, "Just charge what you deem yourself worth!" But I believe myself and the company both really think of me as a part-time employee that will come on full-time when my degree is finished. At the same time I've gotten nothing but compliments on my work, quality and speed, and could still use a small bump (saving for a house). Additionally, I imagine my full-time rate would initially be based on my part-time rate, minus some amount due to bringing some of the taxes and costs (healthcare) inside the company.



So what is the typical multiplier? And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?







share|improve this question




















  • Possible duplicate of workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/44168/…
    – Jane S♦
    Jul 2 '15 at 0:24












up vote
2
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
2
down vote

favorite
1






1





I work part time for an engineering consulting firm. I have been working there for about 9 months with the last 6 months being very consistent - the engagement built up slowly. My hours vary between 5-20 hours a week, and are not dependent on how often they need me, but whether I have the time (finishing up a secondary degree) and whether or not they gave the funds.



The pay rate is considerable when compared to the stipend I receive from the university for doing non-research work for 20 hours a week, but since I am a contractor that rate is greatly reduced by the taxes I am paying out of that rate.



I recently had to review some project documents, and learned that the rate the company charges clients for my time if 5-7 times the pre-tax rate they pay me.



I am wondering if this is normal (I have no idea about typical pay versus charge rates), and if not whether this ratio means that there might be some wiggle room that might allow me to ask for a small hourly raise.



Now, as a contractor I imagine many would say to me, "Just charge what you deem yourself worth!" But I believe myself and the company both really think of me as a part-time employee that will come on full-time when my degree is finished. At the same time I've gotten nothing but compliments on my work, quality and speed, and could still use a small bump (saving for a house). Additionally, I imagine my full-time rate would initially be based on my part-time rate, minus some amount due to bringing some of the taxes and costs (healthcare) inside the company.



So what is the typical multiplier? And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?







share|improve this question












I work part time for an engineering consulting firm. I have been working there for about 9 months with the last 6 months being very consistent - the engagement built up slowly. My hours vary between 5-20 hours a week, and are not dependent on how often they need me, but whether I have the time (finishing up a secondary degree) and whether or not they gave the funds.



The pay rate is considerable when compared to the stipend I receive from the university for doing non-research work for 20 hours a week, but since I am a contractor that rate is greatly reduced by the taxes I am paying out of that rate.



I recently had to review some project documents, and learned that the rate the company charges clients for my time if 5-7 times the pre-tax rate they pay me.



I am wondering if this is normal (I have no idea about typical pay versus charge rates), and if not whether this ratio means that there might be some wiggle room that might allow me to ask for a small hourly raise.



Now, as a contractor I imagine many would say to me, "Just charge what you deem yourself worth!" But I believe myself and the company both really think of me as a part-time employee that will come on full-time when my degree is finished. At the same time I've gotten nothing but compliments on my work, quality and speed, and could still use a small bump (saving for a house). Additionally, I imagine my full-time rate would initially be based on my part-time rate, minus some amount due to bringing some of the taxes and costs (healthcare) inside the company.



So what is the typical multiplier? And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?









share|improve this question











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asked Jul 2 '15 at 0:17









traggatmot

11114




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  • Possible duplicate of workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/44168/…
    – Jane S♦
    Jul 2 '15 at 0:24
















  • Possible duplicate of workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/44168/…
    – Jane S♦
    Jul 2 '15 at 0:24















Possible duplicate of workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/44168/…
– Jane S♦
Jul 2 '15 at 0:24




Possible duplicate of workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/44168/…
– Jane S♦
Jul 2 '15 at 0:24










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
3
down vote














And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




There is always wiggle room. There is never a case where a company couldn't pay someone more if they so choose.



The only way you will know if you could get a raise is to ask. Indicate that you feel you are worth more and that you deserve more. Leave the multiplier and any other external factors out of it.



Tread a bit lightly here. You are part time. And the company lets you adjust your hours based on your individual needs. You don't want to come across as overly demanding. You want to ensure smooth sailing for your graduation, so that bringing you on full-time becomes a no-brainer. Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    1
    down vote














    I am wondering if this is normal




    It is.




    this ratio means that there might be some wiggle room that might allow me to ask for a small hourly raise.




    It does.




    So what is the typical multiplier?




    It can vary radically. For a Full Time Employee the minimum value an employee needs to provide to a company is around 1.75 times their annual rate. Otherwise it's costing the company more than it's worth.




    And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




    The amount of wiggle room really isn't your concern. So this question doesn't matter.




    Now, to the more important aspect here. You have a very nice situation. While getting your degree you are free to work or not as you wish. As such you have very little risk at this time. The company, on the other hand, takes all the risk with whether or not you can deliver. Which means you are likely working on smaller jobs.



    Smaller jobs generally have a much higher overhead, as a percentage of job cost, than larger ones. Someone is billing the client, someone is managing the relationship, someone is getting paid for selling the deal, etc. All of these come out of that hourly rate that they charge.



    That said, you could likely work out a deal where you made more money. It's just not going to be 2 or even 3 times what you are making now. The main question you have to ask yourself is if this is even worth it.



    If you ask for more then there is a possibility of them deciding that these small jobs aren't worth it to them. Considering your situation my advice would be to not bother and instead keep focusing on completing your degree. Once you are in a position to take on full time employment THEN approach them with how much you actually want - while interviewing around.



    The reason for this advice is simply that there aren't many jobs like the one you described and the consequences of potentially losing this far outweighs sticking it out until you are ready to pursue full time opportunities.






    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      Here is a fairly simple formula:



      (Your rate + estimated overhead costs) * 1.75. If you're billing your client more than that, you have room for a raise.



      I'm going to qualify this by saying it sounds like you are more of a contract employee than a contractor, so:



      By estimated overhead costs - what gear do they provide you with? What do you think your office space at the firm costs? How much do they spend in processing your billings / timesheets / payments? A good rule of thumb is that it costs a company about 25% - 30% more than they pay you in order to put you in the field. This accounts for the support staff that the firm has that aren't billable - HR, payroll, reception, bookkeeping, etc.



      These are, of course, SWAG (Scientific Wild-A**ed Guess) figures, and there are far too many local variables that I am not aware of to pin it down further.






      share|improve this answer




















      • They provide me with nothing - I work remotely. I pay for m internet, I use my own computer, my own phone, etc. I am sure they factor me as an employee into software services (company wide cloud service(s) memberships/plans, etc.) but I can't imagine I singly add that much. They process my bill on a monthly basis and it is pretty straightforward.
        – traggatmot
        Jul 2 '15 at 0:40










      • Sounds like you have your numbers, then.
        – Wesley Long
        Jul 2 '15 at 0:42










      • @traggatmot, it is not just what ythey provide you, but what toverhead they provide across the board. Likely all projects take some set percentage to pay form non-billable company costs like HR, thier portion of healthinsesurance, building costs, profilt, etc. Anywhere I have ver worked the number was bill a minmum of 3 times the salary cost so I think the 1.75 is low. That said I do think you have room to ask for a raise. Just don't use this as an arugment for it.
        – HLGEM
        Jul 9 '15 at 18:57

















      up vote
      0
      down vote














      Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.




      NO!



      You seem to suggest that you think the employer may be taking advantage of your relaxed approach to charging by paying you low and charging high for your services. If you let this ride you will be in a very poor position when it comes time to discuss proper terms. Why would an employer suddenly start paying you well when you've demonstrated your willingness to work for peanuts?



      Decide now how much you're willing to work for, and get your request in as soon as you can. If the employer balks or quibbles you'll know up front what's likely to happen when proper contract negotiations start. Do you really want to work for them? If they're open to discussion you'll get a feel for how far you can go, and how amenable they are to salary negotiations later on.






      share|improve this answer




















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        4 Answers
        4






        active

        oldest

        votes








        4 Answers
        4






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes








        up vote
        3
        down vote














        And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




        There is always wiggle room. There is never a case where a company couldn't pay someone more if they so choose.



        The only way you will know if you could get a raise is to ask. Indicate that you feel you are worth more and that you deserve more. Leave the multiplier and any other external factors out of it.



        Tread a bit lightly here. You are part time. And the company lets you adjust your hours based on your individual needs. You don't want to come across as overly demanding. You want to ensure smooth sailing for your graduation, so that bringing you on full-time becomes a no-brainer. Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.






        share|improve this answer
























          up vote
          3
          down vote














          And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




          There is always wiggle room. There is never a case where a company couldn't pay someone more if they so choose.



          The only way you will know if you could get a raise is to ask. Indicate that you feel you are worth more and that you deserve more. Leave the multiplier and any other external factors out of it.



          Tread a bit lightly here. You are part time. And the company lets you adjust your hours based on your individual needs. You don't want to come across as overly demanding. You want to ensure smooth sailing for your graduation, so that bringing you on full-time becomes a no-brainer. Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.






          share|improve this answer






















            up vote
            3
            down vote










            up vote
            3
            down vote










            And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




            There is always wiggle room. There is never a case where a company couldn't pay someone more if they so choose.



            The only way you will know if you could get a raise is to ask. Indicate that you feel you are worth more and that you deserve more. Leave the multiplier and any other external factors out of it.



            Tread a bit lightly here. You are part time. And the company lets you adjust your hours based on your individual needs. You don't want to come across as overly demanding. You want to ensure smooth sailing for your graduation, so that bringing you on full-time becomes a no-brainer. Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.






            share|improve this answer













            And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




            There is always wiggle room. There is never a case where a company couldn't pay someone more if they so choose.



            The only way you will know if you could get a raise is to ask. Indicate that you feel you are worth more and that you deserve more. Leave the multiplier and any other external factors out of it.



            Tread a bit lightly here. You are part time. And the company lets you adjust your hours based on your individual needs. You don't want to come across as overly demanding. You want to ensure smooth sailing for your graduation, so that bringing you on full-time becomes a no-brainer. Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Jul 2 '15 at 11:40









            Joe Strazzere

            223k106656922




            223k106656922






















                up vote
                1
                down vote














                I am wondering if this is normal




                It is.




                this ratio means that there might be some wiggle room that might allow me to ask for a small hourly raise.




                It does.




                So what is the typical multiplier?




                It can vary radically. For a Full Time Employee the minimum value an employee needs to provide to a company is around 1.75 times their annual rate. Otherwise it's costing the company more than it's worth.




                And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




                The amount of wiggle room really isn't your concern. So this question doesn't matter.




                Now, to the more important aspect here. You have a very nice situation. While getting your degree you are free to work or not as you wish. As such you have very little risk at this time. The company, on the other hand, takes all the risk with whether or not you can deliver. Which means you are likely working on smaller jobs.



                Smaller jobs generally have a much higher overhead, as a percentage of job cost, than larger ones. Someone is billing the client, someone is managing the relationship, someone is getting paid for selling the deal, etc. All of these come out of that hourly rate that they charge.



                That said, you could likely work out a deal where you made more money. It's just not going to be 2 or even 3 times what you are making now. The main question you have to ask yourself is if this is even worth it.



                If you ask for more then there is a possibility of them deciding that these small jobs aren't worth it to them. Considering your situation my advice would be to not bother and instead keep focusing on completing your degree. Once you are in a position to take on full time employment THEN approach them with how much you actually want - while interviewing around.



                The reason for this advice is simply that there aren't many jobs like the one you described and the consequences of potentially losing this far outweighs sticking it out until you are ready to pursue full time opportunities.






                share|improve this answer
























                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote














                  I am wondering if this is normal




                  It is.




                  this ratio means that there might be some wiggle room that might allow me to ask for a small hourly raise.




                  It does.




                  So what is the typical multiplier?




                  It can vary radically. For a Full Time Employee the minimum value an employee needs to provide to a company is around 1.75 times their annual rate. Otherwise it's costing the company more than it's worth.




                  And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




                  The amount of wiggle room really isn't your concern. So this question doesn't matter.




                  Now, to the more important aspect here. You have a very nice situation. While getting your degree you are free to work or not as you wish. As such you have very little risk at this time. The company, on the other hand, takes all the risk with whether or not you can deliver. Which means you are likely working on smaller jobs.



                  Smaller jobs generally have a much higher overhead, as a percentage of job cost, than larger ones. Someone is billing the client, someone is managing the relationship, someone is getting paid for selling the deal, etc. All of these come out of that hourly rate that they charge.



                  That said, you could likely work out a deal where you made more money. It's just not going to be 2 or even 3 times what you are making now. The main question you have to ask yourself is if this is even worth it.



                  If you ask for more then there is a possibility of them deciding that these small jobs aren't worth it to them. Considering your situation my advice would be to not bother and instead keep focusing on completing your degree. Once you are in a position to take on full time employment THEN approach them with how much you actually want - while interviewing around.



                  The reason for this advice is simply that there aren't many jobs like the one you described and the consequences of potentially losing this far outweighs sticking it out until you are ready to pursue full time opportunities.






                  share|improve this answer






















                    up vote
                    1
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    1
                    down vote










                    I am wondering if this is normal




                    It is.




                    this ratio means that there might be some wiggle room that might allow me to ask for a small hourly raise.




                    It does.




                    So what is the typical multiplier?




                    It can vary radically. For a Full Time Employee the minimum value an employee needs to provide to a company is around 1.75 times their annual rate. Otherwise it's costing the company more than it's worth.




                    And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




                    The amount of wiggle room really isn't your concern. So this question doesn't matter.




                    Now, to the more important aspect here. You have a very nice situation. While getting your degree you are free to work or not as you wish. As such you have very little risk at this time. The company, on the other hand, takes all the risk with whether or not you can deliver. Which means you are likely working on smaller jobs.



                    Smaller jobs generally have a much higher overhead, as a percentage of job cost, than larger ones. Someone is billing the client, someone is managing the relationship, someone is getting paid for selling the deal, etc. All of these come out of that hourly rate that they charge.



                    That said, you could likely work out a deal where you made more money. It's just not going to be 2 or even 3 times what you are making now. The main question you have to ask yourself is if this is even worth it.



                    If you ask for more then there is a possibility of them deciding that these small jobs aren't worth it to them. Considering your situation my advice would be to not bother and instead keep focusing on completing your degree. Once you are in a position to take on full time employment THEN approach them with how much you actually want - while interviewing around.



                    The reason for this advice is simply that there aren't many jobs like the one you described and the consequences of potentially losing this far outweighs sticking it out until you are ready to pursue full time opportunities.






                    share|improve this answer













                    I am wondering if this is normal




                    It is.




                    this ratio means that there might be some wiggle room that might allow me to ask for a small hourly raise.




                    It does.




                    So what is the typical multiplier?




                    It can vary radically. For a Full Time Employee the minimum value an employee needs to provide to a company is around 1.75 times their annual rate. Otherwise it's costing the company more than it's worth.




                    And when is there versus is there not wiggle room?




                    The amount of wiggle room really isn't your concern. So this question doesn't matter.




                    Now, to the more important aspect here. You have a very nice situation. While getting your degree you are free to work or not as you wish. As such you have very little risk at this time. The company, on the other hand, takes all the risk with whether or not you can deliver. Which means you are likely working on smaller jobs.



                    Smaller jobs generally have a much higher overhead, as a percentage of job cost, than larger ones. Someone is billing the client, someone is managing the relationship, someone is getting paid for selling the deal, etc. All of these come out of that hourly rate that they charge.



                    That said, you could likely work out a deal where you made more money. It's just not going to be 2 or even 3 times what you are making now. The main question you have to ask yourself is if this is even worth it.



                    If you ask for more then there is a possibility of them deciding that these small jobs aren't worth it to them. Considering your situation my advice would be to not bother and instead keep focusing on completing your degree. Once you are in a position to take on full time employment THEN approach them with how much you actually want - while interviewing around.



                    The reason for this advice is simply that there aren't many jobs like the one you described and the consequences of potentially losing this far outweighs sticking it out until you are ready to pursue full time opportunities.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Jul 9 '15 at 18:43









                    NotMe

                    20.9k55695




                    20.9k55695




















                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote













                        Here is a fairly simple formula:



                        (Your rate + estimated overhead costs) * 1.75. If you're billing your client more than that, you have room for a raise.



                        I'm going to qualify this by saying it sounds like you are more of a contract employee than a contractor, so:



                        By estimated overhead costs - what gear do they provide you with? What do you think your office space at the firm costs? How much do they spend in processing your billings / timesheets / payments? A good rule of thumb is that it costs a company about 25% - 30% more than they pay you in order to put you in the field. This accounts for the support staff that the firm has that aren't billable - HR, payroll, reception, bookkeeping, etc.



                        These are, of course, SWAG (Scientific Wild-A**ed Guess) figures, and there are far too many local variables that I am not aware of to pin it down further.






                        share|improve this answer




















                        • They provide me with nothing - I work remotely. I pay for m internet, I use my own computer, my own phone, etc. I am sure they factor me as an employee into software services (company wide cloud service(s) memberships/plans, etc.) but I can't imagine I singly add that much. They process my bill on a monthly basis and it is pretty straightforward.
                          – traggatmot
                          Jul 2 '15 at 0:40










                        • Sounds like you have your numbers, then.
                          – Wesley Long
                          Jul 2 '15 at 0:42










                        • @traggatmot, it is not just what ythey provide you, but what toverhead they provide across the board. Likely all projects take some set percentage to pay form non-billable company costs like HR, thier portion of healthinsesurance, building costs, profilt, etc. Anywhere I have ver worked the number was bill a minmum of 3 times the salary cost so I think the 1.75 is low. That said I do think you have room to ask for a raise. Just don't use this as an arugment for it.
                          – HLGEM
                          Jul 9 '15 at 18:57














                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote













                        Here is a fairly simple formula:



                        (Your rate + estimated overhead costs) * 1.75. If you're billing your client more than that, you have room for a raise.



                        I'm going to qualify this by saying it sounds like you are more of a contract employee than a contractor, so:



                        By estimated overhead costs - what gear do they provide you with? What do you think your office space at the firm costs? How much do they spend in processing your billings / timesheets / payments? A good rule of thumb is that it costs a company about 25% - 30% more than they pay you in order to put you in the field. This accounts for the support staff that the firm has that aren't billable - HR, payroll, reception, bookkeeping, etc.



                        These are, of course, SWAG (Scientific Wild-A**ed Guess) figures, and there are far too many local variables that I am not aware of to pin it down further.






                        share|improve this answer




















                        • They provide me with nothing - I work remotely. I pay for m internet, I use my own computer, my own phone, etc. I am sure they factor me as an employee into software services (company wide cloud service(s) memberships/plans, etc.) but I can't imagine I singly add that much. They process my bill on a monthly basis and it is pretty straightforward.
                          – traggatmot
                          Jul 2 '15 at 0:40










                        • Sounds like you have your numbers, then.
                          – Wesley Long
                          Jul 2 '15 at 0:42










                        • @traggatmot, it is not just what ythey provide you, but what toverhead they provide across the board. Likely all projects take some set percentage to pay form non-billable company costs like HR, thier portion of healthinsesurance, building costs, profilt, etc. Anywhere I have ver worked the number was bill a minmum of 3 times the salary cost so I think the 1.75 is low. That said I do think you have room to ask for a raise. Just don't use this as an arugment for it.
                          – HLGEM
                          Jul 9 '15 at 18:57












                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote









                        Here is a fairly simple formula:



                        (Your rate + estimated overhead costs) * 1.75. If you're billing your client more than that, you have room for a raise.



                        I'm going to qualify this by saying it sounds like you are more of a contract employee than a contractor, so:



                        By estimated overhead costs - what gear do they provide you with? What do you think your office space at the firm costs? How much do they spend in processing your billings / timesheets / payments? A good rule of thumb is that it costs a company about 25% - 30% more than they pay you in order to put you in the field. This accounts for the support staff that the firm has that aren't billable - HR, payroll, reception, bookkeeping, etc.



                        These are, of course, SWAG (Scientific Wild-A**ed Guess) figures, and there are far too many local variables that I am not aware of to pin it down further.






                        share|improve this answer












                        Here is a fairly simple formula:



                        (Your rate + estimated overhead costs) * 1.75. If you're billing your client more than that, you have room for a raise.



                        I'm going to qualify this by saying it sounds like you are more of a contract employee than a contractor, so:



                        By estimated overhead costs - what gear do they provide you with? What do you think your office space at the firm costs? How much do they spend in processing your billings / timesheets / payments? A good rule of thumb is that it costs a company about 25% - 30% more than they pay you in order to put you in the field. This accounts for the support staff that the firm has that aren't billable - HR, payroll, reception, bookkeeping, etc.



                        These are, of course, SWAG (Scientific Wild-A**ed Guess) figures, and there are far too many local variables that I am not aware of to pin it down further.







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Jul 2 '15 at 0:25









                        Wesley Long

                        44.7k15100159




                        44.7k15100159











                        • They provide me with nothing - I work remotely. I pay for m internet, I use my own computer, my own phone, etc. I am sure they factor me as an employee into software services (company wide cloud service(s) memberships/plans, etc.) but I can't imagine I singly add that much. They process my bill on a monthly basis and it is pretty straightforward.
                          – traggatmot
                          Jul 2 '15 at 0:40










                        • Sounds like you have your numbers, then.
                          – Wesley Long
                          Jul 2 '15 at 0:42










                        • @traggatmot, it is not just what ythey provide you, but what toverhead they provide across the board. Likely all projects take some set percentage to pay form non-billable company costs like HR, thier portion of healthinsesurance, building costs, profilt, etc. Anywhere I have ver worked the number was bill a minmum of 3 times the salary cost so I think the 1.75 is low. That said I do think you have room to ask for a raise. Just don't use this as an arugment for it.
                          – HLGEM
                          Jul 9 '15 at 18:57
















                        • They provide me with nothing - I work remotely. I pay for m internet, I use my own computer, my own phone, etc. I am sure they factor me as an employee into software services (company wide cloud service(s) memberships/plans, etc.) but I can't imagine I singly add that much. They process my bill on a monthly basis and it is pretty straightforward.
                          – traggatmot
                          Jul 2 '15 at 0:40










                        • Sounds like you have your numbers, then.
                          – Wesley Long
                          Jul 2 '15 at 0:42










                        • @traggatmot, it is not just what ythey provide you, but what toverhead they provide across the board. Likely all projects take some set percentage to pay form non-billable company costs like HR, thier portion of healthinsesurance, building costs, profilt, etc. Anywhere I have ver worked the number was bill a minmum of 3 times the salary cost so I think the 1.75 is low. That said I do think you have room to ask for a raise. Just don't use this as an arugment for it.
                          – HLGEM
                          Jul 9 '15 at 18:57















                        They provide me with nothing - I work remotely. I pay for m internet, I use my own computer, my own phone, etc. I am sure they factor me as an employee into software services (company wide cloud service(s) memberships/plans, etc.) but I can't imagine I singly add that much. They process my bill on a monthly basis and it is pretty straightforward.
                        – traggatmot
                        Jul 2 '15 at 0:40




                        They provide me with nothing - I work remotely. I pay for m internet, I use my own computer, my own phone, etc. I am sure they factor me as an employee into software services (company wide cloud service(s) memberships/plans, etc.) but I can't imagine I singly add that much. They process my bill on a monthly basis and it is pretty straightforward.
                        – traggatmot
                        Jul 2 '15 at 0:40












                        Sounds like you have your numbers, then.
                        – Wesley Long
                        Jul 2 '15 at 0:42




                        Sounds like you have your numbers, then.
                        – Wesley Long
                        Jul 2 '15 at 0:42












                        @traggatmot, it is not just what ythey provide you, but what toverhead they provide across the board. Likely all projects take some set percentage to pay form non-billable company costs like HR, thier portion of healthinsesurance, building costs, profilt, etc. Anywhere I have ver worked the number was bill a minmum of 3 times the salary cost so I think the 1.75 is low. That said I do think you have room to ask for a raise. Just don't use this as an arugment for it.
                        – HLGEM
                        Jul 9 '15 at 18:57




                        @traggatmot, it is not just what ythey provide you, but what toverhead they provide across the board. Likely all projects take some set percentage to pay form non-billable company costs like HR, thier portion of healthinsesurance, building costs, profilt, etc. Anywhere I have ver worked the number was bill a minmum of 3 times the salary cost so I think the 1.75 is low. That said I do think you have room to ask for a raise. Just don't use this as an arugment for it.
                        – HLGEM
                        Jul 9 '15 at 18:57










                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote














                        Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.




                        NO!



                        You seem to suggest that you think the employer may be taking advantage of your relaxed approach to charging by paying you low and charging high for your services. If you let this ride you will be in a very poor position when it comes time to discuss proper terms. Why would an employer suddenly start paying you well when you've demonstrated your willingness to work for peanuts?



                        Decide now how much you're willing to work for, and get your request in as soon as you can. If the employer balks or quibbles you'll know up front what's likely to happen when proper contract negotiations start. Do you really want to work for them? If they're open to discussion you'll get a feel for how far you can go, and how amenable they are to salary negotiations later on.






                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          0
                          down vote














                          Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.




                          NO!



                          You seem to suggest that you think the employer may be taking advantage of your relaxed approach to charging by paying you low and charging high for your services. If you let this ride you will be in a very poor position when it comes time to discuss proper terms. Why would an employer suddenly start paying you well when you've demonstrated your willingness to work for peanuts?



                          Decide now how much you're willing to work for, and get your request in as soon as you can. If the employer balks or quibbles you'll know up front what's likely to happen when proper contract negotiations start. Do you really want to work for them? If they're open to discussion you'll get a feel for how far you can go, and how amenable they are to salary negotiations later on.






                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote










                            Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.




                            NO!



                            You seem to suggest that you think the employer may be taking advantage of your relaxed approach to charging by paying you low and charging high for your services. If you let this ride you will be in a very poor position when it comes time to discuss proper terms. Why would an employer suddenly start paying you well when you've demonstrated your willingness to work for peanuts?



                            Decide now how much you're willing to work for, and get your request in as soon as you can. If the employer balks or quibbles you'll know up front what's likely to happen when proper contract negotiations start. Do you really want to work for them? If they're open to discussion you'll get a feel for how far you can go, and how amenable they are to salary negotiations later on.






                            share|improve this answer













                            Save the serious salary negotiations for that time frame.




                            NO!



                            You seem to suggest that you think the employer may be taking advantage of your relaxed approach to charging by paying you low and charging high for your services. If you let this ride you will be in a very poor position when it comes time to discuss proper terms. Why would an employer suddenly start paying you well when you've demonstrated your willingness to work for peanuts?



                            Decide now how much you're willing to work for, and get your request in as soon as you can. If the employer balks or quibbles you'll know up front what's likely to happen when proper contract negotiations start. Do you really want to work for them? If they're open to discussion you'll get a feel for how far you can go, and how amenable they are to salary negotiations later on.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Jul 8 '15 at 16:13









                            Brian

                            1




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