AIBU to have lost loyalty

[EagleEyeRock]

I'm employed part-time on a freelance basis by a company owner.

Since starting, I have helped increase profits and made a positive difference to the smooth running of the business, which has seen their customer satisfaction soar.

I enjoy the work.

The business owner implemented a bonus scheme when I first started.

Reach X amount of Y in a month to receive a bonus of £200 that month. If I hit the goal 6 times in a row (6 months of consistently getting the goal) then I'd receive a lump sum of £500, in addition to the x6 amounts of £200 per month.

I've obtained the goal 5 months in a row, this is the 6th month.

A week ago he changed the terms slightly so now it will be very, very difficult to get the goal. I'm now thinking he never thought it was possible.

I'm frustrated not because of the money, but because now I feel taken for granted, not valued and I've lost my loyalty.

I cared about improving the business because I'm naturally just that way inclined - I enjoy being reliable and good at what I do.

But this is him saying "I don't want you to get the last, bigger bonus" isn't it?

Me hitting the goal has resulted in approximately £28k increased profit for him so this feels bloody tight.

AIBU to give half as much effort now? To do the job but not, for example, point out when he's made a mistake or smooth over customer issues quite so well?

If you are too cross and upset to have a conversation with him (or you know he'd get on the defensive) email him to say that you are not happy that the terms were changed without any notice. although you are not objecting to the change, should be implemented from next month/quarter.

Without saying as much, let him realise what an asset he is going to lose if he is so cheap to withhold a well earned bonus.

Yes, this. I think it's outrageous that the owner changed the terms of the bonus just before you were eligible to claim it, after you'd had such good results.

Otherwise, I suppose it is really down to how much the job without the bonuses suits you, how much you need this business as part of your freelancing? Does it constitute much of your income? Are you prepared to leave?

so find another client & move on

That's dick behaviour from him - totally get why you're annoyed

Do you have the bonus structure in writing and is there anything in your contract about giving notice for changing terms?

You should never have 'loyalty' to someone who's only employing you on a freelance basis. Obviously you want to do a good job, but the whole point of being freelance is being free to work for who you choose - if you want to be 'loyal' then why not take the security and benefits that go with being an employee?

If you're freelance, you can take your work elsewhere. Which is what I'd do.

If you half-arse the work, it may result in poor word of mouth publicity for you, so I wouldn't do that. Either work for him, or don't. And if you decide not to - tell him exactly why.

Thank you for your replies.

I'm cross enough to quit and luckily I don't need the money/him as a client - but I really enjoy the work; there are lots of positives which is why I've worked so hard.

It feels like a kick in the teeth.

He's said himself that his stress levels have reduced since I've started, that my work is brilliant and he's very lucky - etc.

But just clearly doesn't value me if he's desperate to change the terms so I can't get this bonus!

Let him know that you now need a pay rise. If he states terms of employment cannot be changed then point at the bonus alteration.

Then don't let him get away with it. Let him see you value yourself, as a freelancer needs to, and that his petty action in removing a bonus just before you earned it hasn't gone unnoticed by an employee he has every reason to value highly.

I'd start very neutrally with a question about the vanishing bonus structure and its timing, and see what he says. See if you can leverage it into a payrise or the restitution of the bonus. If he's unmoving, consider your options with more information.

YADNBU

Thats totally shit.

IMO you get paid a wage/agreed sum to do your work. You go above and beyond for a possible "extra" (be it a bonus, a promotion etc). If the extra isn't there anymore I'd do exactly what I'm paid to do and not a single bit extra until I can get an incentive to do so again. YANBU.

If you can afford to and don't need him as a client, then leave. Make him realise he's made a mistake.

Your employer is your employer nog your biddy (even if they are away from work)

You do not owe them loyalty and seldom show it to their staff.

Ynba but I'm the kind of person who would still try to hit it anyway 😉 I wouldn't give a half arse month because that looks bad on you, but I'd definitely try and hit it and decide from there

My gut reaction was most definitely 'well, fuck you!'