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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask you how I should spend my bonus?!

105 replies

Actuallyabitgreynow · 13/06/2021 12:54

Not a bragging post, I promise. Single mum barely scraping by, although in a middle management job in the civil service (extortionate monthly outgoings due to high rent and lots of debts taken out when STBXH kept being unemployed).

I joined my team last year on promotion but very soon after, the posts at the two grades higher than me became vacant. Whilst I never formally stepped into the role, I took on a lot of additional responsibility and have really driven the work forward. The two vacant posts have now been filled and I've been told by my manager that he has authorised a bonus (or "in year reward") for my hard work. Except he has now buggered off on annual leave for the next 3 weeks having not told me how much it will be 🤣 what an arsehole (lighthearted, obviously, I am extremely grateful!).

As I'm new to the team I've no idea of precedents in what these awards might be. I know in my previous role (in a different team but same department) I'd be looking at between £300-500 but they are all moderated independently by the business unit so it doesn't really matter what happened there.

FWIW I'm on £40k, the vacancies above me were £55k and £70k, and I spent six months taking on the additional responsibilities.

In a ideal world I'd love a grand 🤣 but that's unrealistic and a couple of hundred is most likely.

What shall I spend it on?! I've literally just got back from a mini-break with my boyfriend and am taking my son away next week, so no urgent news for a staycation. Maybe a tattoo?? Piercings? New clothes or some decent boots? HELP!

OP posts:
Doorhandleghost · 18/06/2021 07:38

Glad they actually recognised your work to the max extent 😊

Pollypudding · 18/06/2021 07:40

Well done. Sounds like a good sensible compromise and I hope you are successful in getting a permanent promotion soon

Jasmine11 · 18/06/2021 07:43

@PortMerrionCentre

I’m civil service. Your “bonus” is likely to be a £25 voucher so I wouldn’t expect much
My husband is a civil servant and got a £500 bonus one year..
throwaway5001 · 18/06/2021 07:44

Congrats @Actuallyabitgreynow great news,

Sorry I’m not familiar with civil service but do you have an employee helpline or assistance program? I was able to use ours to access 6 counselling sessions

Actuallyabitgreynow · 18/06/2021 15:15

@sometimesfraught82 I've found a great therapist for £45 a session, I'm gunna be having fortnightly sessions and using the bonus to subsidise the £25 I would have been able to afford, so £250-£300 would stretch quite some way.

OP posts:
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