Dear all,

Have been working for an financial advisory firm for about 7 years. The owner has a proprietorship (i think this is the english term, he is the sole owner, the company has no shares) and i am the only employee. Before i came to this company, he had been working on his own for about 20 years. During my employment, his profits dubbeled and his weekly working hours decreased from 45/50 hours to about 35 hours per week. He worked hard to achieve this, but i feel that a big part can also be attributed to myself. He noticed this as wel and wants to thank me by selling me about 40% of the company.

My problem: he wants me to pay for it, which i can partially understand. My net profits, compared to my salary, wil rise annually with 7 to 8k, with the payments for a loan included during the first 5 years. My gut feelings: 1) 7 to 8k net rise for more risk (no more employee ensurance when sick or unemployement / more difficulties getting a new mortgage in the future) is maybe enough, maybe not, but i think it is surely not a large gain. And i have a loan for 5 years.

2) i contributed a lot to the company. A lot of unpaid overtime, underpayment during the first years and general extra work in the weekends like looking for new innovations or learning stuff. Why should i pay for "my bonus" or something that he "wants to give me".

3) if i keep on working for a boss at a different company, i could easily earn about 10k (net) more in about 5 to 6 years. Maybe not the most ideal way, as i like this job and I am a good friend with my current employer, but looking strictly at the money, it is still an option.

Anyone ever been in something similar? Any advice?

Thanks!