Ok sorry for the cryptic title. Been planning to start my own business (design consultancy) for the past year and finally have enough cash saved up to feel I can take the plunge.
I want to go it alone from Jan and in order to give my employer notice plan to quit this week. My employer is a medical device manufacturer and I would dearly like to keep doing design work for them in my new venture.
Anyone got any ideas as the best way to go about negotiations? I was thinking of being up front about my plans and offering up the potential of going part time (2 days a week) for the first 3 months of the year.
Any advice appreciated.
How long is your notice period?
1 month notice preiod. So worst case they could get really pissed with me a give me gardening leave.
I guess you're not going to be competing with them so if you play it right, they could be your first client.
I can't see why they would be pissed off with you; if you're good then they'll be disappointed (and likely will be your first client);if you're average they will be ambivalent and if you're crap, then they'll be happy (I'm sure you're not otherwise you wouldn't be taking the gamble of setting up on your own).
Most employers would be happy for you I reckon. You're the best person to know who you should talk to about getting work off of them so resign, explain what you're doing and then pitch them with your business!
Good luck.
Thanks for the goodwill geetee. To be honest it is probably the scariest thing I have done, but also very exciting.
Confident they will use me at some point in the future but tempted by the safety net of going part time. Just worried that the part time will mean I am unable to really get on with things business wise.
they'll probably be happy to stay with you as they won't have to pay your salary all year, only as and when they use you.
Fingers crossed, will discuss with my wife (again).
Very tempted to just completely cut ties as I the first significant job they ask me to do will be worth more to my business then 3 months of part time.
I'd try it with them or at least lay out your plans and see if they bite. Starting from scratch is a lot easier if you have some sort of regular income to keep you moving. My first company started when i moved from FT to contract and stayed working for them 2 days per week, after 6 weeks we had 5 FT staff and a years work !
Talk to them about contract work, draw up a good business plan and show them that you will save them money, by not employing you or someone else full time. Remind then that you are fully trained and can perform the task. All the good points about not having you full time or employing someone else to do your job.
ooh, nice advice alwyn.
The situation I don't want to be in is them saying, that sounds great... leave it with us to discuss. As I know nothing will happen. I think fundamentally I may have to hand in my resignation.
I do like the idea of spelling out to them just how convenient it is for them, there isn't currently any exciting design work in the office, but when there is I am the only one who does the full package (concept through to production) so am certainly useful to have around. Couple that with the fact I know their systems (I wrote most of them), It is a win win for both parties.
Best to work the two of them then leave.