Getting a raise amidst layoffs?

[fbrdphreak]

So say your company is laying off people. You survive the cuts and while in survival mode, come across another job in your area that is right up your alley and you get a good offer from this other company - an offer that is better than what you are getting right now and realistically offers better job security for the foreseeable future. Also keep in mind you've only gotten cost of living increases (hardly) at your current job, no performance-based raises and only a couple reasonable bonuses.

How terrible would it be to ask for a competitive raise at your current job, amidst layoffs? Does this increase your liability? What are the pro's and con's career wise that you all see?

Common logic might suggest that asking/receiving a raise in tough economic times makes you more liable, but you could also argue that if you've survived the cuts and there's no one else who can really do you job, you are more viewed as an investment rather than a liability.

Thoughts?

 

[Xavier434]

Most likely, I wouldn't ask.

 

[guyver01]

If you were "kept around" after layoffs.. they might need ya for a reason... especially now that they're short handed.

I'd ask for a raise... you have nothing to lose, and a higher salary to gain.

 

[Xavier434]

guyver is correct and that might be the case in your company, but I do advise at least waiting for the dust to settle with the whole lay off period thing. Let the company readjust itself and use that time to go that extra mile proving your worth during the readjustment period. Remember, most companies do not view layoffs as nothing but downsizing and budget cuts. They also look at it as opportunities to make their business more efficient. Show them that you truly are a big part of that efficiency since they are now betting on you. Shouldn't take too long. At that point once the dust has settled I would say you have much better leverage for a decent increase.

 

[AmigaMan]

I'm assuming that you are going to tell your current company that you have a better offer from this new company? I would just accept the offer from the new company and forget about the old company. Never ever accept a counter offer from your current company!

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
Never ever accept a counter offer from your current company!

OK, why? In a perfect world I would stay where I am, while doing the same type of stuff for the other company, I'd say I would rather do it here.

 

[Red Squirrel]

That reminds me I'm getting my raise this month, unless I already got it.. I'll have to check. (every 6 months until I hit the cap) FTW!

Nobody in our department has been laid off, and there's no talk of it. What we DO need is like 2-3 extra techs though... it gets retarded at times. Glad I took this week off as I bet it's insane right now.

 

[amdhunter]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
I'm assuming that you are going to tell your current company that you have a better offer from this new company? I would just accept the offer from the new company and forget about the old company. Never ever accept a counter offer from your current company!

Have them put a clause saying they can't fire you for XX years...

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: amdhunter

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
I'm assuming that you are going to tell your current company that you have a better offer from this new company? I would just accept the offer from the new company and forget about the old company. Never ever accept a counter offer from your current company!

Have them put a clause saying they can't fire you for XX years...

I was thinking about something like this. How common is this?

 

[Queasy]

just say you are a member of congress...

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Queasy
just say you are a member of congress...

NC taxpayers should get a refund from Elizabeth Dole's spending habits :|

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
Never ever accept a counter offer from your current company!

OK, why? In a perfect world I would stay where I am, while doing the same type of stuff for the other company, I'd say I would rather do it here.

When looking for a counter offer, you are indicating that money is critical and you are willing to jump when a better $$ comes along.

More than likely, the company may counter, but then start keeping their eyes open for some oneelse that that feel is move loyal.

You would be best to ask for a raise (if one would normally be coming due) and if denied, jump ship.

If one is not due, then asking for one would be crass during a layoff.

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: amdhunter

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
I'm assuming that you are going to tell your current company that you have a better offer from this new company? I would just accept the offer from the new company and forget about the old company. Never ever accept a counter offer from your current company!

Have them put a clause saying they can't fire you for XX years...

I was thinking about something like this. How common is this?

There is no way you are getting that in this market.

 

[fbrdphreak]

^^
Good point.

 

[PricklyPete]

Take the job offer...I'm missing the part about why you would stay at your current company given the circumstances. They may counter with a raise...but from what you've said...it seems like a poor choice to stick around given your past experience with pay increases and the current state of your employer.

 

[RaistlinZ]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
So say your company is laying off people. You survive the cuts and while in survival mode, come across another job in your area that is right up your alley and you get a good offer from this other company - an offer that is better than what you are getting right now and realistically offers better job security for the foreseeable future. Also keep in mind you've only gotten cost of living increases (hardly) at your current job, no performance-based raises and only a couple reasonable bonuses.

How terrible would it be to ask for a competitive raise at your current job, amidst layoffs? Does this increase your liability? What are the pro's and con's career wise that you all see?

Common logic might suggest that asking/receiving a raise in tough economic times makes you more liable, but you could also argue that if you've survived the cuts and there's no one else who can really do you job, you are more viewed as an investment rather than a liability.

Thoughts?

I fail to see why this is even a hard choice. Just give your two weeks notice and take the better offer.