You should never calculate stock options, or bonuses into your base salary, ever. I don't care what anyone says. Bonuses, and stocks are exactly that. Bonuses and stocks. They are great when they are way up, and shitty when they are way down. For the first time in fifteen years, I didn't get a bonus, and the stock price is way down. Never, ever, let someone hiring you convince you otherwise. They tried this when I got hired, and I held out, until my base pay was something reasonable.
I would agree about stock options. They're so risky as to generally be almost worthless.
I don't agree about bonuses. Bonuses aren't guaranteed, but at well-established companies with healthy rewards cultures, there will be a target amount you can expect if you do your job. You should still discount bonus somewhat when comparing offers, but I would not discount it to zero.
It's not always dependent on your job. We work our ass off, travel around the world maintaining systems. However the company on a whole is hurting, because the oil and gas industry is hurting. I have nothing to do with that. Is that fair? Absolutely not. But it's not based on individual performance.
Bonuses cut because the company is suffering is always a possibility. But then so are layoffs and salary cuts. I would not discount bonuses entirely just because they are not 100% guaranteed.
I disagree. While it might be difficult to calculate the value of stock options and bonuses, they are part of your compensation for working at the company. If the company gives you a car for free use, it's also a compensation. At least the tax office in the country I live taxes the car as a part of an income.
Well I don't agree with you. A car is a bit different story, since it has an immediate impact on your compensation. You no longer are paying for a car/gas the entire time you're employed. Granted, that could also disappear one day. Stocks and bonuses need to vest, and there is no guarantee they will ever show up.
