Navigating The Waters of Compensation in Creative Work: Should I Demand More?
When you work in a dynamic environment like a marketing agency, the interplay between your skill set, project demands, and compensation can sometimes lead to tricky scenarios. Recently, I found myself grappling with such a situation while handling an exciting new project.
I was informed that my role would involve using WordPress and Figma to design and develop landing pages and websites. Sounds like a dream, right? However, things took an interesting turn when a client requested a website reminiscent of macropolis.pe. The site features a clean design, but its standout elements include a 360-degree virtual tour and an interactive map—both of which I am confident in delivering.
After investigating the tech stack behind the site using developer tools and Wappalyzer, I discovered that they utilize Pano2VR (with Kuula as an alternative) for the virtual tour and Mapbox GL for the interactive mapping. The annual cost for these tools is approximately €500 each, and these expenses weren’t part of the initial project estimate. Now, the client is unwilling to cover these additional costs, and my agency is also hesitant to invest in the necessary licenses.
Here’s where the dilemma intensifies: I possess the knowledge and skills required to create these features, having previously worked with Three.js, WebGL, and GSAP. However, there’s a catch—I would not be compensated for tapping into this expertise. Despite my ability to execute the project, my team insists that I proceed without additional pay.
Moreover, should I deliver the code as requested, my agency could potentially deploy it for various clients, leaving me out of the benefits entirely—after all, I could develop and market this solution independently.
An intriguing idea crossed my mind: what if I created the feature anyway and approached my company’s CEO with a proposal to sell the solution to them? Given their extensive work with real estate clients, they would likely find such a tool valuable. And of course, I could price it above what Pano2VR or Kuula charge.
This situation raises numerous questions: Is it unreasonable to advocate for fair compensation for my skills? Am I considering a viable angle, or veering into unrealistic expectations?
In the fast-paced world of marketing and tech, advocating for your worth is paramount. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and decide how to best proceed—not just for this project but for your overall career trajectory.
2 responses to “Is a pay raise warranted here?”
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tricky situation that many professionals face when their skills outgrow their current role or the projects they’re assigned. Here’s some food for thought to help you navigate this:
Evaluate Your Worth
Skill Monetization: Consider the unique skills you bring to the table. Your knowledge of Three.js, WebGL, and GSAP allows you to create advanced features that could significantly enhance the client’s project. This is a niche skill set that not everyone possesses, and you should leverage that. Understanding the market value of your skills can give you confidence when negotiating compensation.
Research Salaries: Investigate the typical salaries for your role in your geographical area or industry, focusing on positions that require both design and coding skills, especially in WordPress development. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary Insights can provide some clarity. If you find that your skills warrant a higher rate than what you’re currently receiving, that’s a strong point in your favor.
Consider the Future
Negotiation: If you’re being asked to deliver additional features without extra compensation, it’s a clear signal that your current role may not fully capitalize on your skills and contributions. Prepare to have a conversation with your manager about your responsibilities and the potential for an adjusted compensation package to reflect the additional value you bring to the agency.
Protect Your Interests: Since you mentioned that your work might be repurposed for other clients, consider documenting your contributions to this project thoroughly. If you opt to code the features, be explicit about the scope and use of the work you create. You may want to establish a formal agreement with your company about ownership rights for any innovative solutions you develop, especially if you feel the company might exploit them beyond the initial client.
Explore Opportunities
Propose a Licensing Model: Your idea of proposing to sell the solution directly to the company could be beneficial. Present it as a long-term investment; if they cater to multiple clients in real estate, your tool could streamline their offerings. Just ensure that the licensing includes support and possible future updates, which further justifies your pricing.
Side Projects: If the agency isn’t willing to pay for the licensing or your advanced skills, consider the possibility of creating your version and marketing it independently. Of course, ensure this aligns with your current employment agreement. It could also lead to a side business based on your innovations, providing you with more financial freedom and professional growth.
Skill Development: Regardless of this situation, continue to build your skills. The tech world is constantly evolving, and furthering your education could lead to more lucrative opportunities. Free resources like MOOCs, webinars, and online tutorials could help bolster your skill set even more.
Final Thoughts
Being undervalued in a role can be demoralizing, but it also provides an opportunity for growth and negotiation. If your agency isn’t willing to recognize your contribution, it may be time to reassess your options, potentially looking into positions that value your expertise more or pursuing self-initiated projects where you can fully benefit from your skills. The key is to advocate for yourself professionally and strategically—this is an essential skill for anyone looking to thrive in today’s competitive environment.
Navigating compensation discussions in a creative field can indeed be a complex and sometimes frustrating endeavor. You’ve raised several crucial points here that many in similar situations often grapple with.
First, advocating for fair compensation is fundamental—not just for this project but as a broader career strategy. Your skills in Three.js, WebGL, and GSAP are valuable assets, and if the agency plans to leverage your work for multiple clients without additional compensation, it’s only fair to discuss the potential for a raise or performance-based incentives reflecting your contributions.
Moreover, your idea to independently propose the solution to your agency’s CEO is a compelling strategy. This could showcase your initiative and entrepreneurial spirit, potentially positioning you as a key contributor to future projects and revenue streams. Just be sure to evaluate the risks of implementing a feature that might theoretically be proprietary once developed—this could lead to complexities about ownership and compensation.
Additionally, consider how transparent communication with your superiors could facilitate a better understanding of the value you bring to the table. Perhaps initiating a conversation about project scopes, budget allocations, and how these elements tie into your personal growth and compensation could yield positive outcomes.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to know your worth and communicate it assertively while remaining open to negotiation. Have any of your colleagues faced similar situations? Sharing experiences could enhance this dialogue and help explore more solutions. Your post opens up a valuable conversation about the intersection of creativity, value, and compensation in the dynamic world of marketing!