My boss is not charging for my work.

Anonymous

October 23,2023 at 2:23PM UTC

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My boss is not charging for my work. I work at a small consulting firm that focuses on culture and strategy. I am in an interesting predicament as I found out that my boss has not been charging clients for the work I have been doing. I am struggling to give myself the advice I would give my clients!

I feel disrespected and insulted. The reason he hasn't been charging them is because he is responsible for the relationship with the clients and if he does not feel that he has held up his end of the relationship he doesn't charge them even if I have done my end of the contract. Clients brag on me and have given positive feedback regarding the value I am bringing, so I know it is not due to my performance. I am unsure how to bring this up, if I even have a right to bring it up. It is his business and I am still getting paid.

I should also mentioned that we recently brought on another consultant and even though I have been at the firm for two years, my boss has never tossed a lead to me (I am bonused based on business I bring in). Last week, this brand new consultant (male) who is new to consulting was given a lead. He called me and I had to walk him through how to have the conversation, we jumped on the call with the potential client, I mostly pitched, he listened and added in some things, and we sent the proposal of work over to them that evening and it was accepted by morning. Now, its his client because it was "his" lead. My boss and the new consultant work in the same office, while I live in a different state.

Also, further context because my boss is not a bad dude, I am about to go on maternity leave - hence why I assume I was not given that lead. I am taking 8 weeks off. Hoping to use that time to figure out next steps.

Any senior level advise is welcomed. I have never faced this before.

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AnonymousOctober 23,2023 at 4:36PM UTC
The new consultant was given the lead to get him up and running.. this is common practice.
As for your time not being billed, I can only assume that your boss did not appreciate the value of work you performed so I would have a one on one with your boss to review your recent performance and to find out if you are on track in your boss's eyes.
That will give you the necessary feedback to consider how your future looks for your return after maternity leave.
AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 1:14PM UTC
Are you a 1099 or W-2 employee? That makes a difference. If you have a contract as a 1099 it should outline payment. If a W-2, is there someone else to talk to? In the end if your comp is based on billing clients, that is the companies issue-you get paid regardless based on what was agreed upon. If you are a consultant you need to practice what you preach, get in there and outline the steps you will take if not accurately compensated for work already done.
AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 1:21PM UTC
The lead was likely tossed to the person who will be a available to assist the client. You will be out - therefore it went to the other guy. They probably should have had you two work it together so you could help the new guy. It likely happened due to timing and your boss probably thought he did you a solid by not adding more pressure and stress to your work plate.
Billing is not as simple as - person a worked x hours at x rate therefore rhe client gets billed y. There are a ton of variables based on each relationship that go into it. The biller and person in charge of the relationship always decides on the final bill. Maybe they over charged them on a different service and are choosing to ether this one off? Maybe they have a set rate and your service is built into other billing. As long as you are getting paid whether or not they choose to bill for it is really a moot point.
i honestly wouldn’t read into it.. if it’s bothersome tbough, just set up a time and discuss it with them.
For the lead, maybe ask about partnering and mentoring to help the new person? I’d start with the assumption that they thought they were doing you a solid by not adding more work - until they prove otherwise.
Billing - maybe setup sometime to learn more about the process, methodology, how do they choose what to bill vs write off etc. it might surprise you.
AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 5:08PM UTC
Is it a fixed rate or fee that the client is being charged for the work? That is always a factor in what is being charged.
AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 5:11PM UTC
I would let the thing about the lead go. Be prepared to think long and hard about your comeback because by the time you do come back they will have had 8 weeks together to embed their relationship into the client base. It might be a good time during this time to decide do I stay or do I go if these things bother you enough. Often motherhood will shift priorities for you and you may just decide to stay and be in a lighter situation so that you can have more time for family...if not then start applying elsewhere now.