by Solange Lopes | Mar 22, 2015 | Career |
Photo credit: http://www.thisisyourconscience.com
Yes, we know, as much as we may be chanting “gender equality” slogans, celebrating National Women’s Month, the reality is we may not attain it globally until…2058! In the meantime, women are still working in largely male-dominated cultures, and having to deal with discrimination attacks and litigations of all kinds. In the midst of the confusion, discrimination and other workplace conflicts, many a woman decide to up and quit…
According to ThinkProgress, women of color make up a third of all working women, yet their presence is scarce in Corporate America. Women overall make up only 19.2% of board positions at S&P 500 companies. This explains the growing exodus of professional women out of Corporate America. The question, however, remains: faced with so many pressures and obstacles, should we stay, or should we pack up, leave our conflicted offices, and leave happy ever after (or unfulfilled ever after?)
I’ve asked myself the question many times. Most times, I didn’t exactly have the choice or the luxury of choosing for that matter. Many a times as well, I’ve found myself at the receptive end of a corporate sister’s angry, sad, even desperate professional cry for help. Do I stay or do I go?
And as I’ve replied many a times, both to myself and others:” If you’re ready to leave and never look back, then go ahead. But if there’s some fight left in you, then stay…”
So what are you going to do?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Mar 22, 2015 | Career |
Happy Sunday! Spring started on this side of the blogosphere with..snow, yes! Yet the sun is out today, and there’s an air of Spring around…As we’re breathing in some of the hopefully warmer weather, here are some of this week’s headlines that made us smile, nod, or go “shut the front door…”:
- Think you don’t have enough money to get your MBA? Fortune tells us about Laurie Pickard, who chronicled her pursuit of a business education for less than $1,000;
- In not-so-encouraging news, Quartz confirms American women can expect final pay…in 2058!;
- Think Progress reveals women of color are a third of all working women, and they are nowhere to be found in Corporate America;
- Inc. shares with us 5 tips to handle the office jerk;
- Forbes lists the best cities for working women in 2015;
- Want to run a top company? Makers advises you to study science, while offering advice on what to do when what you love doesn’t pay;
- The Huffington Post tips us off with 4 ways to deal with a male-dominated culture;
- Speaking of male-dominated culture, the Wall Street Journal writes about the Novartis division being charged with sex discrimination;
- In “kudos” news, NY Mag writes about Starbucks’ decision to fight racism through inspirational messages on their cups;
- In other beautiful news, Huff Post Parents writes about these amazing moms who created science-themed clothing line for girls that bashes stereotypes, and we love it;
- Racked explains why female CEOs are so damn good at selling to other women;
- If like me, you hate remembering passwords, rejoice! Fast Company reveals Windows 10 will let you log in with your face;
- Lifehacker keeps it real, and tells you straight up the company you work for is not your friend;
- Fortune lists 6 tips to help moms work smarter, not longer;
- Last but not least, Fast Co-Exist thinks you can tell an ambitious woman by the shape of her head. Hmmm…
Happy reading, and happy Sunday!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Mar 20, 2015 | Career |
So you’ve received your annual bonus, and it seems pretty low…Not just because of tax reasons, but because the actual bonus amount is only 20, 30 or 50% of what you could have received, or even lower. Can you contest it? Should you even challenge it, and if so, on what basis?
My $0.05: Bonuses are in nature discretionary, which makes it hard to contest or challenge them. However, one way to do so is to keep your performance documented all year long, as evidential support to demonstrate why you should be getting a larger compensation.
Additionally, having an honest sit-down chat with your manager can also help you address these issues. Yet, keep in mind unless job security is not your priority, you can only go so far.
If you’d rather keep your job, then challenge your bonus wisely and don’t be overly pushy. However, if you’re not worried about keeping your job (you may be ready to leave), then you may want to involve Human Resources in the discussion.
Have you ever challenged your bonus, and if so, how did you go about it?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Mar 20, 2015 | Career |
Fringed cardigan – $43.99 – Photo credit: macys.com
One of the biggest trends filling the NY Fashion Week runways, the fringe, had me scratching my head for a bit…Until I found some flattering fashion picks like this fringed cardigan from Macy’s. Loving the bright, “Springy” color of this top, enhanced by the fringe design in the front. This cardigan is on sale for $43.99 at Macy’s!
And since we’re on the fringe trend, I also like this fringed duster cardigan, and this oh so elegant printed fringed sweater.
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Mar 20, 2015 | Career
signing-bonus – Photo credit: integrityhr.com
Since we’re on the topic of bonuses, how about asking for a signing bonus once a company shows interest in you and is ready to make an offer? Should you expect your potential employer to offer it right off the bat? And if so, are there conditions attached to it?
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies will offer more signing bonuses this year to graduates since 2010. And if you’re wondering if you should be asking, and/or getting one, here are a few reasons to go for it and ask:
1. If your qualifications are highly in demand: even in periods of high unemployment, companies will invest in high-quality candidates. If your qualifications, specialization or industry are highly in demand, consider asking for that signing bonus.
2. If you are asked to relocate: Some positions will require you to relocate to less desirable locations. In this case, companies may offer pretty generous signing bonuses. In case they don’t, consider requesting one!
3. If you’re deciding between multiple offers: You may have to choose between a few competitive offers. In this case, you may ask the respective companies to sweeten the deal with a signing bonus!
However, beware of the conditions that may be attached to your signing bonus. Some companies may require you to pay it back, deduct it from your salary or yearly bonus, or decide to distribute it in installments over an extended period of time. In any case, make sure you are clear on the conditions and requirements before you commit to anything!
What are your thoughts on signing bonuses?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Mar 18, 2015 | Career, Make More Money
Photo credit: gobankingrates.com
So we’ve been discussing getting the bonus you deserve, and what not to do with all your bonus moolah once you get it. Now, one question most employees ask themselves after receiving their bonus is, why did I have to pay so much tax on it? Geesh…
Sorry to burst your bubble, but your bonus does get taxed. It’s intact considered “supplemental income” by the IRS, which recommends a flat 25% tax rate to employers. Keep in mind some employers do follow this, and others choose not to, preferring to combine your bonus and you regular pay together and withholding tax at the normal rate.
It may look like you’re taxed more on your bonus than on your regular pay. What really happens is this “supplemental income” may just end up placing you in a higher income tax bracket, which in turn makes it look like your withholdings are higher. However, no higher tax rates are used for bonuses.
My $0.05: You know the saying, “there’s no certainty in life other than death and taxes”. That holds true for your bonus too. So prepare yourself to see a chunk of it go to Uncle Sam every year! Keep in mind you can also beat Uncle Sam at his own game, by 1) saving some or all of your bonus money in your 401K (check with your employer how bonuses are handled in this case though, practices may vary from company to company), 2) investing it in a diversified portfolio,or 3) contributing in multiple accounts like a health savings account or Roth IRA to reduce your taxable income.
Or you could buy those shoes…
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Mar 18, 2015 | Career
Khaki Pantsuit – Photo credit: thelimited.com
I’ve been on the hunt for an elegant, yet not overly formal pantsuit. With Spring approaching fast, I’ve picked this khaki Cassidy Collection pantsuit from The Limited. Loving the tailored two-button jacket, which matches the more contemporary, yet still professional looking bootcut pants. The jacket is on sale for $110.60, while the matching pants are discounted down to $55.96!
The Corporate Sis.
