Comments on: Bonus!

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:02:44 +0000

Fingers crossed for you, Ruthibelle!

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:02:27 +0000

Now that you mention it, Kathy, I've had my share of cookies at Christmas, wine, and little marketing gadgets. Those are cool, too. 🙂

By: Ruthibelle

Ruthibelle — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:12:10 +0000

Haven't gotten any… yet. But I've been promised a conditional bonus for the job I'm working on now. I'm praying, praying praying it comes through.

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:12:02 +0000

Hmm, now that I think about it, I've actually gotten quite a few bonuses over the years. There was the one I mentioned in a recent comment that I received for meeting my deadlines while my dad was having open heart surgery out of town. That same client included a cash bonus with a year-end payment right before Christmas a few years back. Another client gave me a nice bonus for helping him secure a fellowship he was applying for with my editing. Those were all cash bonuses, but this past Christmas I also got a bottle of wine from a client, and I only work with him occasionally. I also have a client whose brother played hockey for the semi-pro team in my area. Knowing that my dad was a sports fan, he set aside free tickets for him all the time. The brother has since gone pro but my dad enjoyed that perk while it lasted. My long-term clients are good ones. That's why they've become long termers!

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:38:56 +0000

Sounds like you guys have worked for people who do it right! I've not worked for people who would decrease pay - let's just say I'd avoid them if I did run into them - but I wouldn't mind working for someone who rewarded speed. Hey, I've delivered stuff same-day without any bonus and without anything other than heightened expectations the next assignment.

I've lived off kudos. I love when they occur! But once, it would be nice to see a little something extra for going that extra mile.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:26:42 +0000

After another writer left an editor in a past-deadline lurch, the editor asked if I could possibly turn that article around in one day. Interview and everything. He asked this around noon. By some major miracle, and a wonderful thing called a two-hour time difference (in my favor), I managed to pull it off. Did I mention the only possible interviewee wasn't available until 5? The editor doubled their standard fee. That was a very nice surprise.

The flip side is when contracts don't offer bonuses to encourage prompt work, but actually decrease pay if the job comes in late. Please note I didn't say I'd signed any such contract.

Offering a financial incentive for turning in something ahead of time is a far better motivator than threatening to cut someone's pay.

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:21:16 +0000

I once got a bonus from a magazine publisher I did some freelancing for. It was quite a pleasant surprise for me as well.

By: devonellington

devonellington — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:30:47 +0000

Yes, a client was so pleased with the work that he sent me a bonus payment. Very generous and completely unexpected. As I mentioned yesterday, I've NEVER worked in an industry where bonuses are paid, so this was quite a lovely surprise.