Just offered employee status (now contractor)

[pressly]

I know in my heart that my current situation (independent sales rep on full commission selling magazine advertising) is a killer deal-- I work about 20 hours a week and make about $35K per year but also have 5 full months off a year (I have a month off in between issues 5X per year) SO, no-brainer right? Well, the publisher just emailed me today to ask if I was interested in a 40 hr/per week job in which I'd switch to employee status. I'm intrigued by the benefits, 401K, higher pay, NOT having to pay up the as* in self-employment tax like I do every year.... --I could still work from home--- Maybe is there a way I could negotiate to keep my flexible schedule and to have cake and eat it too? Am I being crazy and greedy? UGH, I need a pep talk.
Maybe a list of 100 reasons why being an employee sucks or some creative solutions on how to negotiate this deal so I can work from a farm in Tuscany and still have a 401K?
Leanne

[MiniBlueDragon]

You're already in a decent situation so only go for what you feel is the best move... If you're trying to follow 4HWW to the tee then you're looking at DELA for your sequence but ultimately you'll be trying to Liberate at some point.

The extra cash could well speed up the entire muse process for you however so I'd negotiate with them...

Make it clear:-

1. You are happy with your current workload.
2. You are happy with your current hours.
3. You are happy with the fact that you can take time off when you want to and work whatever amount of hours per day you find neccessary to perform your role in the most efficient manner you can.
4. You are happy with the amount of spare time you currently have.

Tell them that and then also add that you love new challenges and for that reason alone you're willing to negotiate with them over the current position they're offering you...

Bear in mind that you'd pay less tax working for yourself than you would working for an employer (at least in the UK that's the case!) so with your extra cash comes extra tax.

I'd personally push and say that in order for you to accept their offer you're happy to work their requested 40 hours per week but that the hours you work can be allocated as you want them to be, i.e. if you wanted to work 13.3 hours per day for 3 days then you can.
Also as the hours arrangement you're requesting won't fit around a work environment and could potentially disrupt other employees you'll be working from home, however you'll be fully contactable via phone and email and you'll come into the office for the occasional urgent meeting.

The very worst that can happen is they will re-negotiate with you over something they don't like and you may have to give way a little.

Emphasise that it's YOU who are doing THEM a favour which will keep you in the driving seat for the negotiation.

Oh and let us know how it goes. :)

[pressly]

I really like the bullet points you provided.... I think I'll use those in my response to the offer....
Hasn't come yet but I'll keep you posted.
In the meantime, I putting a deposit on that villa in Tuscany!
Leanne