Bonus

vhcoleman09

Strange question, but if you get a holiday bonus from your job, when do you typically get it?

I remember my boss telling me when I was hired that I would get a holiday bonus, but since I was hired in August of last year I didn't get one because I wasn't there a full year and now I don't remember what he said about when we get them or even how much they are. It seems like a silly thing to bother him about (he's been super-busy with a grant), so of course I ask you guys.

Junebug060609

Normally it would be in my next paycheck (Mid Dec).  This year is an anomaly though, our company was bought out in July.  We got a partial bonus then, I'm not sure what the policy with the new company is.  My hunch is we'll get the other half, but we shall see.

I'd ask a co-worker.

vhcoleman09

The only issue with asking a co-worker is that most people don't get bonuses, and I'd feel weird asking someone only to find out they don't get a bonus at all. The only other person in my position is part-time, so not sure if she gets one either, and all the higher-ups I'm too intimidated to ask. Bleh. I guess I'll just wait it out.

luckycooky

In a previous job I got a holiday bonus and it was always the paycheck just before Christmas. 

Leigha12

I've never had a job with a bonus, but I know my mom always got hers in a separate check just a couple days before Christmas (small, privately owned company) and my dad doesn't get his until sometime in mid-February (national corporation that has to do all of their annual reports before determining what percentage everyone gets). So it all really depends on how the company structures theirs.

clarisa_b

At one of my previous jobs we received our bonus the last day of work before the holiday. (a small family owned business)

At one of my other jobs we received it with our paycheck (so end of the month). (a large corporation)

hopscotch.

We normally get them in our first Dec paycheck...but this year we didn't get raises and only a tiny handful of people got bonuses.  Stupid economy.

chrissyvcm

The compnay I worked for before this one paid our bonuses one year right before Christmas and the next year, right after New Years. Makes perfect sense, right?!

stephriz

I'm not sure I would take a wait and see approach.  It it was stated at the time of hiring, I don't think it's inappropriate to ask your boss if it's a possibility for this year.

I remember reading an article that stated women are much more intimidated to ask for higher compensation in the work place, and that it hurts their long-term earning potential.  Since then, I've tried to overcome the awkwardness and approach business more assertively. 

vhcoleman09

Steph, I'm sure you're right. It's strange, but I can typically ask for what I'm worth when negotiating my salary...not sure why this would be any different but somehow I feel weird asking. I think it may be because I've been a bit of a slacker at work for the past month and I feel a little bit guilty. Yep, pretty sure that's it.

stephriz

Yeah, that's part of the fear.  A bonus is often merit based, so it would feel weird to ask for one without having a stellar record of career achievements to back it up.  But, if there's extra money, it merely mentioned to you as a possibility when you were hired, so I don't think you're wrong to inquire.

I think the trick will be to be inquizitive and polite without coming off entitled or demanding.

stjoespirit04

I get mine in my December 15th check.  It's weird tho, every other place I've ever worked we got in in early January, after the calendar year was over.

mamie329

Our holiday and mid-year bonuses ended last year, plus we had such a shiitty year financially that 70% of our staff was laid off, so I doubt I'll see one this year. But when we did get them (small business), it was between Christmas and NYE.