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I recently asked how to estimate signing bonuses and got some good advice. But now I find myself in a slightly different situation.

I've been offered the job, and I am very happy with the offered salary and benefits package. However, even though I live in the same area as the new job (no relocation), I am a student and the funding that supports me will be discontinued at the end of May. I won't start at the new job until several weeks later, and so that leaves a gap of time for me with no income.

Is it reasonable for me to request a modest signing bonus just to cover things like rent and living expenses over that multi-week period? The offer that I was given did not include a signing bonus and the HR director mentioned that such bonuses are usually only paid out when an employee is leaving an old job that had some form of back compensation which would be missed by switching. When relocation is involved, they pay for that separately but this was not needed in my situation.

I definitely don't want to appear greedy or money-grubbing, but I also don't like the idea of starting the job off by going in debt just to finance regular living expenses.

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2 Answers2

7

You asked about a signing bonus and were told the conditions that would be required to get one. It does not appear that you will qualify, but you do have another option.

Ask if you can start earlier. Some times they can't change the start date. They might have a contractual issue with the customer and the customer is setting the start date. Other times they are waiting for somebody else to retire or transfer. But ask.

Tell them starting earlier speeds up the training process. For you it can make the transfer of insurance benefits sooner.

Keep in mind it could be a few weeks before you get your first pay check. How were you planning on bridging the gap?

mhoran_psprep
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7

I was able to request a modest advance on my salary when I started my first job out of college, for essentially the same reason. Alternatively, you might consider requesting a small personal loan from friends or family. If you have a credit card that can cover things like grocery expenses for that period, this may also be the appropriate time to use it. Buy cheap food, like lentils and beans. :P

In the future, once you earn some money, you should keep around a few months' worth of essential expenses in a saving account to avoid this situation. :)