Great connection and GREAT question.
Our raise is directly correlated with our companies earnings, the more the company makes, the more they have to give out. A great example of this is our 2017 raises. Which was significantly better than 2016 raises because we had better earnings numbers.
2017 was overall a solid year for most structural engineering companies (we can see that by looking at publicly traded engineering AND contracting companies such as AECOM, Tutor Perini, SKANSKA) so I know that we have BETTER earnings for 2017. However, I won't know the actual numbers until our year end summary comes out).
Knowing this, I am asking for more now, because like most industries, we are cyclical, and I expect us to be turning down the construction boom that has lasted nearly 10 years. I want to maximize my payout and MAXIMIZE the need to maintain my employment so I am on top of the game when it comes time to start firing people.
It's a fucked up way to look at things, but when it comes time to fire people, I've done my job to protect myself FIRST, maybe i'll negotiate a pay check to stay or maybe I'm worth keeping because I provided added value over other employees. At the end of the day, they will fire indiscriminately to save the company.
Ok, that's decision based on facts.
They may likely consider your request.
Today i helped out with some remodelling of an existing building.
I am happy you are prepared for eventualities or force majeure