Negotiation
When you get a job offer when working on the RV road, think negotiation. With a large corporation, strict salary guidelines may be in place but with a small business that is usually not the case. And even the larger companies may have some flexibility elsewhere.
Like other aspects of Workamping, do some research. Have an idea what workers on the RV road are being paid. One source of information is ads in Workamper News. Forums on working on the road at RV Travel and Workamper.com can also give you information.
Test the waters with a statement like, "Considering my background and experience, I thought your offer was rather low." Or, "Is that the best you can do?" Then wait for an answer—even if it takes a whole minute. If it seems like even a possibility or that the owner is considering more, sell yourself. In one case, my late husband said, "We are not retired; we are hard workers." The owner offered a higher wage.
If the owner will not budge on salary, see about perks. Will they provide free propane, free laundry, free or discounted meals if they serve them, or store discounts? Ask if they will consider a raise after the first month or an end-of-the-season bonus if you do a good job.
During this process, keep it a win-win situation and keep selling yourself. Do not issue a "take it or leave it" ultimatum unless you mean it. Of course, you should know what your bottom line is and not take an offer before that. But backing the owner into a corner is not the path to getting more money.
If you negotiate a dollar more per hour and are working 40 hours/week for six months, that’s $1000 more. Additional perks can add money to your budget too in savings. It’s worth taking a few minutes to ask. And, believe it or not, the boss will respect you more and feel he has a better value for his money. It often works like that! Jaimie
For information on Jaimie Hall's recently revised book, Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, 2nd ed., see RVBookstore.com.
Like other aspects of Workamping, do some research. Have an idea what workers on the RV road are being paid. One source of information is ads in Workamper News. Forums on working on the road at RV Travel and Workamper.com can also give you information.
Test the waters with a statement like, "Considering my background and experience, I thought your offer was rather low." Or, "Is that the best you can do?" Then wait for an answer—even if it takes a whole minute. If it seems like even a possibility or that the owner is considering more, sell yourself. In one case, my late husband said, "We are not retired; we are hard workers." The owner offered a higher wage.
If the owner will not budge on salary, see about perks. Will they provide free propane, free laundry, free or discounted meals if they serve them, or store discounts? Ask if they will consider a raise after the first month or an end-of-the-season bonus if you do a good job.
During this process, keep it a win-win situation and keep selling yourself. Do not issue a "take it or leave it" ultimatum unless you mean it. Of course, you should know what your bottom line is and not take an offer before that. But backing the owner into a corner is not the path to getting more money.
If you negotiate a dollar more per hour and are working 40 hours/week for six months, that’s $1000 more. Additional perks can add money to your budget too in savings. It’s worth taking a few minutes to ask. And, believe it or not, the boss will respect you more and feel he has a better value for his money. It often works like that! Jaimie
For information on Jaimie Hall's recently revised book, Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, 2nd ed., see RVBookstore.com.
Labels: negotiation
posted by Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak at
5:28 AM
2 Comments:
Would like to try workamping. Is free FHU/or other amenities reported to the IRS as income?
By
paulajm1067@yahoo.com, at August 12, 2007 10:17 PM
Good question! From the Workamper.com FAQs, here is the answer.
"Current IRS regulations allow for the exclusion of the value of employer furnished lodging from the employee's gross income, provided the following three tests are met: 1) The lodging is furnished on the business premises of the employer, 2) The lodging is furnished for the convenience of the employer, and 3) The employee is required to accept such lodging as a condition of employment. (see irc 1.119 (b)). Employer provided meals might also be excluded from gross income. (Also see IRS Publication 525 - "Meals & Lodging"). This means that you do not have to report the value of your site on your tax return. It is unlikely, but should the IRS ever question such an arrangement, you would want to have something in writing from the employer that indicates that you were required to live on site. You should also document the value of the site and/or meals. Since employers can also deduct these costs, both parties benefit from these arrangements."
This is a question you should clarify with each employer. Never make assumptions or you could be surprised at tax time. See Workamper.com for other answers to your questions. They are a great resource. Jaimie
By
Jaimie Hall, at August 14, 2007 5:09 AM
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