So while not related to Taiwan this is the only forum I participate in so here goes.
I moved back to Australia over a year ago but it seems teaching English for 3.5 years has created a job opportunity for me.
I have an opportunity as a ‘Learning Specialist’ (workplace trainer) in the corporate arm of large travel company.
I’m currently working as a 2IC ‘Travel Manager’ - corporate travel agent. Not sales, more operations and finance.
Being a trainer would probably improve my work/life balance. But it is a potential pay cut
Currently
$65k base - non-negotiable
Uncapped bonuses based on individual performance which add about $42,000 a year
Total approx $107,000 AUD
Workplace trainer
$95k base
10% bonus based on company performance
Total $95k~$104k
I have a feeling the base might be negotiable but I’m waiting for the interview still.
I would enjoy training and my knowledge base is a lot higher than most of my colleagues.
I would need to forfeit an unlimited earning potential for a higher base salary.
This is a position I was considering moving to in 2/3 years however the positions don’t come up that often. I also don’t know of anyone else who has applied.
When applying for a home loan which would be more favourable in the banks eyes?
I think the workplace trainer. The bonuses in the other one aren’t guaranteed (at least, you’ve said they aren’t, and “bonus” implies it isn’t a guarantee either) whereas the trainer has the higher base pay which is contractural.
Work/life balance improvements not to be sniffed at either.
The amount isn’t guaranteed but the calculation is fixed for everyone. They do change the schemes periodically though. You are right, they are not contractual but the existence of bonus schemes won’t go anywhere.
Most average performers probably earn a total of $95k
Which one do you want to do more? My philosophy is to always do what my heart tells me to. You’d rather be in a position that lets you tap dance to work every day than one that you just take because it lays the bills (even if it pays for higher bills).
Higher fixed/guaranteed salary is usually preferred.
I haven’t been a workplace trainer before so it’s hard to tell.
I like the position I’m in but have very little desire to move from 2IC to team leader. Team leaders tend to deal with BS complaints all day.
For example some recent ones were ‘Why would you book me onto a flight that was going to be delayed!?’
‘I booked a flight with no baggage on your online booking tool. I want baggage and it’s your fault there’s none.’
‘I know that the property you booked was the only one available in remote Australia but I hated it and can’t believe you booked me there!’
I have no patience for stupid. And not being customer facing will be a nice change. I am worried that I’ll get bored and there won’t be enough work to do.
My current team leader left operations for 6 months to do a role to do with auditing our clients negotiated rates and got bored and came back to operations
Banks usually don’t consider bonuses when reviewing a customer for a mortgage because it isn’t secure income, so although in real life you’ll be making more with the current job, the one with the higher base pay is more desirable from a lending perspective.