Golden handcuffs

During your career you must be mindful of how you can position yourself to achieve outsized returns (or benefits that go beyond your standard wage). 

In many cases, an employer will defer the payment of a sizeable benefit to deter the recipient from leaving. This is commonly known as “golden handcuffs”. 

Given that there are limited opportunities to generate benefits beyond your standard wage with an employer, the prospect of golden handcuffs can be very attractive, particularly if they come in the form of stock options or bonuses. 

But if you receive golden handcuffs, it’s very important that you keep looking for opportunities that may go beyond this payout. Remember that golden handcuffs are designed to deter you from leaving your position, but that doesn’t mean this offer is the most valuable to you. 

It’s also helpful to appreciate that some potential employers will take your golden handcuffs into account when considering the value you can bring to their organisation. 

And finally, the golden handcuffs should be considered in terms of your long-term value potential. While golden handcuffs can lead to a sizeable payout in the short term, what does it mean in the context of other opportunities that may lead to greater payouts or benefits in the longer term? 

So to maximise your earnings potential during your career, be sure to maintain an active awareness of where the greatest opportunities lie. When you receive golden handcuffs, don’t stop looking for other opportunities and resume your search when the golden handcuffs are paid.

.


Quarter Life Academy Logo horizontal

Life Coaching For Your 20’s and 30’s
Our team would love to hear from you! Simply complete the Contact Form on our website.

Join Our Mailing List

We post insights to help you on your journey EVERY DAY! Join our mailing list for daily guidance on all things career, health, relationships and life!

Learn more about how Benjamin and the QuarterLife Academy team can support you

Please submit this form and you’ll hear from our team within a day to schedule your 10-minute discovery call!

Subscribe for daily insights to your inbox

By submitting this form you will receive an email with the Quarter Life Framework. You will also join our Mailing List to receive daily insights about getting the most from your Quarter Life! You may unsubscribe at any time.