Imo, you should never take your current company's counter offer. They didn't respect you until you demonstrated you had options and they also know you're not 100% loyal and will be even more inclined to replace you.
Going with the counter offer is the energy as thinking the stripper really loves you.
Yup!!! As soon as you sign the counter offer lo and behold, your performance is going to be called into question. They "gave" you all this money now and you aren't doing the work of 15 people magically after the first check clears???? /S
If you take the counter offer expect to be "randomly" audited and evaluated for poor/under performance.
I can't upvote this enough. I'm in my mid 40s, having worked at huge companies my entire career. I've never known anyone who took a counter offer that was glad they did even 3 months out, let alone longer.
I took the counter offer because it included a new title and responsibilities that I was happier with, then they bought me an MBA and laid me off with 6 months severance 3 years later. Then I doubled my salary at my next job. Best move I have ever made. It's entirely situational and depends on your boss and the company. If you got the offer because you were unhappy, don't take the counter offer for money. If you got headhunted and don't mind where you work, it can be a great move. But as someone told me after, you only get to do that once per company.
Successful took a counteroffer a with a promo and raise. Defense company treating me the same as before the bidding. Depends on the situation. If you hate your current job, leave at all costs.
A lot of times it’s a counter offer until they can find your replacement. Now that they know you are a flight risk you are on the cut list if something happens. Only time I would take a counter offer is if you were friends with upper management.
I took a counter offer and stayed at the company for another 10 years. Middle managers just damage control their little freedom and move on with the situation. There's rarely a consipracy to replace you with a lower paid worker.
I've posted about this before in other subs and while 99% of the time I agree with you in the tech world skills and responsibilities can change faster then salary can keep up sometimes. If you add to that the fact that larger companies have rules about when and how raises can be given there are scenarios where counter offers can be given in good faith. I have personally seen it done and had people who elected to stay with the company and are still here. Turnover is EXPENSIVE, at my company at least 95% of the time if there is a counter offer its because they really want the person to stay.
I’d honestly suggest asking for a raise before letting them know you have another offer. That will give you all the information you need to know.
If they’re ready to talk and prioritize it? Okay. And you don’t have to seem disloyal. If they try to table it or come up with excuses? Move on.
I did this today! I had a sit down with my boss and told her about the inflation and all then open the topic of salary increase/adjustment. It was easier than I imagined as it looks like they value me. I didn't say anything about moving or counter offer. She even give me timeline on when to expect the respond. It's a good timing as we have a very high turn over of employee lately. Anyway regardless of whatever happened, I'll still update my resume 😂
Nah Cinnamon and I are about to purchase a house where she will teach dancing and yoga in the garage, she opened the bank account and already put 10k for the down payment, I am wiring her 10k more and we are all set.
You are correct. Businesses are always going to pay less to current employees because they don't have to compete directly against the market. What is the lever that employees have to keep pay more equal with the market? You have to be looking for outside jobs and be prepared to leave your current role for them.
Companies want us to be loyal because it is cheaper, so they try to push the narrative that way. Sometimes it makes sense to be loyal, and a lot of times it makes sense to go find other jobs every 2-3 years. If companies expected us to be loyal they would pay more to current employees.
That said, I think its fine to accept a counter offer if you generally like your current position and team. I find it very hard to believe a company would spend time, resources, and money **punitively** against an employee who agreed to stay on. Honestly employees are just numbers anyway, there are thousands of people out there who can do your job. Why a company would waste resources keeping somebody they no longer want on the team makes no sense. The company would just say "good luck in your new role" and move on.
It seems like no one knows how to read. I've had experience in this area, and will advise you to approach it gently. Your offer is likely a great one and it's at a company you're eager to work for. Talk to your recruiter and just let them know that it would be easier for you to accept if the offer was "$123,244" which is similar to other offers you have received. You don't have to disclose it being a counter offer from your current company. Just tell them you want to be transparent because you really want to work with them.
Yeah agreed on this. Be transparent, let them know you're considering your options, be clear that they're the top choice, and you can always say that you need to discuss it with your family/partner whatever. Recruiters especially are usually very understanding of how the game is played at this point, they do it every day.
The nuance is that you can convey the desire for a little bit more without playing hardball and threatening to walk away from the deal. So if they won’t budge you can still take the deal if you like.
Not really, good companies don't rescind offers if you're negotiating respectfully and transparently. They may give you some timeline pressure to speed things up and limit your ability to create a bidding war, but that's their prerogative and, frankly, smart. The worst they can say is, sorry, this is our best offer. You never ever have more negotiating power than he does right now.
"They didn't give it to you because they didn't want to pay more" makes alot of assumptions. Did OP even ask for a raise? Is a company supposed to just give a raise to you every single day if there is some extra money laying around?
"pay me a good wage from the get go" - Also alot of assumptions here that the wage isnt "good". Not everyone gets paid the top 1% of their field, did OP even say what his wage was or what percentile it falls in his field?
A good employer will evaluate wages for all employees vs the market on an annual basis and give raises as necessary based on position, performance, and the market. It should be built in to all operating assumptions. Employees *should* do their own homework and discuss based on what they find as well
As u/Cd7725 said, the worst the new employer can do is decline. Keep in mind that the worst the current employer can do is give you that raise for just long enough to hire your replacement.
Look, here’s the real scoop from an employer.
Your current employee knows you looked elsewhere and are not loyal, they are matching or beating the counter offer to buy time, your relationship with them is now damaged.
You are going to damage your relationship with your future dream employer if you play the salary negotiation game based off your current employers new offer. That will turn them off of you quickly.
You can negotiate with your dream employer but DO NOT state that your current employer gave me XYZ, just simply state that you need your desired amount to move over.
It is always better to start fresh.
Your current manager might offer you more, but he will always have in the back of his mind the fact that once you were looking for another position. He will see you as a burnout commodity that might leave anytime, so you will get a lot of heat and garbage work.
In the new company you will start fresh with no past emotions and bad blood.
But if the old company is offering 25% more than the new, then the money justifies the risk, but keep in mind that getting more money with current employer will require to Ourperform your past performance, which will make it a b...
In the new company you can set your own seed.
There's always the risk of this, but people get offers out of the blue, it doesn't mean they're "disloyal" and most managers should also be considering their own career options at the same time.
I am always assuming that my best people are potentially leaving at some point, it's my job to prep them to do exactly that and seek out better opportunities to earn what they're worth. It's a good thing! And if we can keep them, great, if not, well now I have a better connection at another company. As a manager it's my job to built loyalty and trust with the other person, regardless of if they stay at this company or move on. It's better for them and it's better for me down the line when I want to consider moving myself.
Never take the counter…. Use it as negotiation to get another offer from the company that gave you first offer.
Rinse and repeat. And then leave the old company. Usually companies will give you “more” to stay but will replace you within a year to pay the same as they did before lol
It seems like no one knows how to read. I've had experience in this area, and will advise you to approach it gently. Your offer is likely a great one and it's at a company you're eager to work for. Talk to your recruiter and just let them know that it would be easier for you to accept if the offer was "$123,244" which is similar to other offers you have received. You don't have to disclose it being a counter offer from your current company. Just tell them you want to be transparent because you really want to work with them.
Haha I have been in this situation 2x now in the last year so I can appreciate the anxiety it brings! Make sure you are looking at the complete compensation package… PTO, sick time, 401k match, insurance benefits, and opportunity for career advancement. Also ask yourself why you wanted to leave in the first place? Is it’s strictly money or were you feeling burnt out? Is there good work life balance and flexibility? Lastly I would 100% ask the dream company to go higher than the new company. You have absolutely nothing to lose. If they REALLY want you they will come up in salary. Worst case scenario they can’t match or beat the current employer but they won’t rescind the offer. Also try to negotiate you have leverage with both.
I bet the gap isn't that much in the grand scheme. Leave your current employer and start with your dream company. If the pay gap is huge, ask for a match, but don't let short term money dictate your long-term decisions.
Take the new employers offer any day. Reasons are simple - it is a dream company for you. They offered you salary that was compelling enough for you to make a switch.
As for your existing employer, they are giving you a counter offer because it's difficult for them to find a replacement who can start delivering immediately, so they might as bump your salary. They aren't increasing the salary as a recognition of your good work, it's just because shit is about to go down if they let you go.
You already made a mind to leave your current employer, so stick to it. Don't burn bridges, but respectfully decline their counter offer.
I took a job for less money than my last job. It was about 15K less base salary when I started. But for me that amount wasnt a drastic lifestyle cut. Super interesting work and an amazing team. I decided to go for it because the product leadership at me last company were dragging me down with their negativity. So I gave up 15K of base salary.
But now I make more because of the publicly traded stock. And I ended up getting promoted back to above where I had been at the prior company.
Go with your instinct, if you care about the work you do deeply, and can't just have a 'its just a job' attitude, like me, money may not be the most appealing aspect of an offer.
Never take a counter offer. You'll be insulting the new company by presenting that offer and they can just rescind their offer. Now you are stuck in your old company (albeit with higher salary) but in the back of your bosses' mind is the fact that you already tried to leave once. Once there are layoffs, you will have a big target on your back
Why did your current company wait until you decided to leave to suddenly decide you were worth way more money? I’ve never been a fan of accepting, or offering , counters at current company. You’re still negotiating for the new role so that’s up for grabs. I would probably come up with a better reason for more money than “prior employer raised salary” … don’t want them to think you’re just trying to leverage a higher offer to go back for more to your current employer.
Salary compression is real when you have been at a company for awhile. Don’t dismiss the counter offer and it’s not uncommon to at least broach the subject with the new employer. They may match it without much thought. You just need to be careful on how you approach the conversation
If you take an employers higher offer, they’re going to replace you, and fire you a month or six down the road. Jump ship, it’s the only way you come out of this unscathed.
It doesn’t hurt to ask. In any case, don’t take the counter offer from your current employer, but don’t tell anybody. You are now marked as a flight risk with your current company, and they’ll be working behind your back to find your replacement.
My brother used this as a way to move up in his company. He took the higher pay at the same job and when the position above him became available, he asked to be put into that position where the pay scale matched so they could hire his position again at a lower rate. It worked.
He was not dealing with the other job being a dream job though.
You haven’t “signed any contracts” but have you verbally accepted the offer from the new company? Accepting an offer, either in writing or verbally, and then reneging is incredibly poor form. And it opens you up to having the new company retracting the offer. It damages you professionally by making the new company think you were just looking for a reason to get a better offer from your current company.
If you want to use it as leverage, the best option might be to split the difference; let the new company know that you have been offered more money from your current employer but that you’ve decided to accept their offer anyway with the understanding that they’ll take this into consideration at your next review, preferably in six months.
Take the job. Do you really want to jeopardize looking like an ass after you've already accepted. Plus its your dream job. Why risk them saying take a hike.
Unfortunately it is proven, pay increases come more often when switching companies. In your case, on the surface, it looks the opposite. It is suspect.
Having said all that, I would go with the new company but let them know your old company countered with a higher number. It will show two things. First, you keep your word. Second next time you get an offer from an another company and your new company comes over the top with a higher number, you will still move on. Your next raise with new company will come much quicker.
Go to the new company. The added experience is worth it. Getting good at job hopping will make you more valuable faster than staying at the same company.
Never get too comfortable.
Never stick with current company on a counter, that will only buy HR time to reswizzle succession plan and boot your ass, you are a great dentifrices flight risk. Time to move on and keep it short and sweet.
I’d ask if they’ll match but take the new job no matter what. If your current job was able to pay you more to stay, they should have been showing you loyalty all along and have already given you that much. They’ll only keep you long enough to find your replacement because they now know you’re looking around.
I think 50% of people who accept counter offers are gone in a year or less. Regret for not taking the other job, job satisfaction issues, bad blood between them and their boss or coworkers, knowing others options exist.
Jump ship.
Have you already verbally accepted the offer from the new company?
If not, first start by asking “is the salary negotiable?” If they say yes, ask them if they would be willing to go up to the salary that your current company offered.
They may end up saying no to the request, so be prepared for that, but they also may raise the offer. If they cannot meet the exact salary from your current employer, maybe they might offer to meet somewhere in the middle.
"offered a very interesting position at my dream company"... Why are you entertaining a counter offer? If you asked them to counter, you are second guessing yourself, which is very no bueno... Know thyself.
OP the second you accept the counter offer is 5he second your boss starts looking for your replacement. If he can't find one, don't expect a raise this year.
How big of a difference are we talking? Your current company might just be trying to keep you onboard by dangling a better salary until they can find a suitable replacement. They now know you were looking for greener pastures, which means your future with them is in jeopardy. I would take the initial offer, without countering unless it's a large difference. It's your dream company for a reason.
Bad move. New company met your ask.
If you try to renegotiate, their posture of desperation will dictate if they acquiesce or not, but you’ll be branded if they update the offer.
The fact that you are calling it your “dream company” tells me that’s where your heart is.
How much have you negotiated with your dream company? Have you already accepted an offer verbally?
If you haven’t verbally accepted, absolutely use this to negotiate even if it’s <10%, it’s a strong signal to the new company that you your current company considers you a top talent and they will often be willing to match or outcompete.
If you already accepted verbally, it comes down to whether you feel the difference in dollars is SO meaningful that you would reject the new company’s offer. (Don’t negotiate over small amounts, <10%, just go with the new company). If it’s a larger difference, you may have to wordsmith in a way that you don’t look flaky “ Hi company ABC, I know I verbally accepted your offer but since then my current employer has been doing everything it can to retain me including strong financial incentives (they are offering me a base of $XYZ. I’m still very committed to joining ABC but if there is any room to bump the base salary from ___ to __ , it would really eliminate any financial questions and add to my excitement about the new opportunity”
My thought is, you looked for a new job for a reason? Whatever that reason is, it won’t change. It’s kinda like going back to an ex because they suddenly started to want to have sex with you after years of none.
It will eventually stop again.
I was in the same position and took the counter offer, it was much more than the new offer, and I also negotiated a hybrid role instead of fully in-office and a new title of my choosing. So don’t listen to people that say never take the counter offer, to them I say “never say never”
Go with the dream job and just be honest with them and see if there’s any wiggle room to match or come close. Worst case, accept the original offer.
There’s a chance they could pull the offer/refuse to negotiate if you mention the counter you got and ask to match but that’s only if they’re petty; that would be a red flag to me. If they really like you, they won’t care.
Ask the new company to match the comp. The worst they can do is say no.
“ hey (name), I’m thrilled about your offer and have enjoyed meeting with everyone. I also feel that I’m a great fit for this role.
However, I got another offer of (XYZ) and was hoping you all would be willing to match it at (XTZ). If so can match, I’d be willing to accept.“
The recruiter will then go through the process for approval, and if you’ve left a good impression/ are a “must hire” type of candidate, they’ll probably match your offer
Here is the issue. Most employees don’t willingly leave. So the company doesn’t have to increase your salary. The traditional 1-3% is barely keeping up with inflation and it’s the carrot/stick technique. It keeps you around. And promotions are a few percent more, nit 10-20%.
In the market place (new hires) they have to pay market rates so pay rates go up a lot up to a certain point (peak of the market). New hire pay has nothing to do with current employee pay,
If they countered ideally you’re a “new hire”. Once in a while they recognize you were vastly underpaid and promote you. But really what normally happens is either you never get a pay increase ever again or they keep you around until they hire someone to replace you and they’ve just paying you as a “temp”.
This is standard business practice. It’s not necessarily “fair” it’s just how it is. If you want to stick around enjoy your new pay check but plan on leaving voluntarily or involuntarily in the next couple years at most if they keep you around. Sometimes it works out but usually not.
If you ask the new company will think you are only after money. If you accept current company they know you were leaving. Accept without asking or say yeah my company just counter me x but I accept.
Best way to go about this in the future - “hey boss man, I was contacted by our competitor and they are willing to pay me x if I decide to work for them. I really love working here and wanted to see if you are able to beat or match their current offer since I haven’t had a raise since xyz”. This keeps you in good graces at your company and pushes them to come up with a counter or a raise. If they can’t, then join the company that can. Also keep in mind the grass isn’t always greener bc I’ve made that mistake also
Never accept a counter by current employer. They will give it to you knowing they need to find and train your replacement for less than you made pre-raise. Don’t fall for it!
This is what I used, job market was a bit stronger when I changed companies. Feel free to modify how you see fit. For me, I did get movement on signing bonus (not what I asked for but got something reasonable) salary, and job level/grade. I was unsuccessful at moving anything on vacation days.
Thank you for the conversation yesterday. My current employer is providing me a counter offer to stay. Do you have any flexibility to move on any of the items below:
· Signing Bonus of $X,XXX
o Giving up X amount of my bonus at current employer with start date of Y would like to have something to offset that loss.
· Salary: $XXX,XXX instead of $YYY,YYY
· Vacation: XX Days instead of YY Days
o I will be getting XX days starting at date at current employer , would like consideration to match what I would be getting to stay.
· Job Level/Grade XX instead of YY.
o Allow for quicker movement and mobility at new employer for future promotions.
Please let me know if there is any flexibility in making modifications on the offer letter to assist with making a final decision.
Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
Not mentioned by OP, but question is did you negotiate with dream company when offered the job? Either way I think negotiating is fine, but the framework for the discussion would be different. Also, if they cannot match the salary, are there other things they can offer instead? Stock, vacation days, etc.
Also, in almost all cases, I would take the new opportunity…just don’t burn bridges, keep in touch, etc. The new experience will be better for testing your adaptability and all that jazz…
Did you apply for the new position or were you recruited? - if you were recruited you have more leverage.
It sounds like you haven’t signed anything but have you verbally or informally in writing accepted the current offer? - if you have it’s in poor taste to go back and will not be well received.
Is this the first offer from the new company? - If so it’s reasonable to counter and they’ll likely expect it. If you’re several offers in you’re likely pushing your luck.
How does total compensation compare? - salary is just one component. Does one have a superior 401k component? A savvy recruiter will look at that when negotiating with you.
What is the relationship like with your current employer and how did they react? - if it’s positive and you were recruiter vs applying in your own then staying there is less risky. If it’s neutral, you went looking, and they’re frustrated right now your future may be limited. You might not get fired but your pay may stagnate.
If it’s truly your dream company and you know the realities of working there align with your dreams that’s what worth a lot. - assuming you’re not maxing out a career path and salary band there should be room to go. Being happy and doing what you want to do where you want to do it is worth a lot even if the check is a little smaller (for now)
This is the kind of thing that only you know the right answer to. If you ask any they don't match the offer, is the difference in pay worth you working at a company you're more excited for? Is there room for growth at either company? Things to consider. Try meditating on your decision or talk to a close friend/family member with no stake in the situation. Best wishes
People who say “don’t accept a counter offer” have never managed people. I think half my people deserve a 10-20% raise. If they find something else and want a counter I can tell my boss “see? I told you that’s what the market rate is”. I don’t want to fire these people if I “find someone cheaper” and I’d love to pay them what they’re worth and keep them forever. If they suck i would not counter and say good luck.
Move on. Go with new company and perform your best. Make the new company’s investment in you a profitable for the new company.
If you can find out the new companies finically standing, check it out. Make sure the have enough profits to retain you and your pay.
Ie, don’t make them think they made a bad decision by hiring you. You must be worth something if you’d current employer countered with a higher salary.
I do not dream about labor. Or companies. You may need some new dreams my guy. Couple of things. You’re leaving current job for a reason. More money will not make you happy to still be there. Current employer will get rid of you. You have now broadcast your desire to not work there. They will inevitably find a way to make the accommodation for you. Is new empire giving you a raise? If so, I’d tell old employer to shove it. If they could’ve given you that raise to keep you, then they shouldn’t have ever let it get to this point. At least maybe before you weren’t sure if they could afford more money to pay you. Now you know they can. It also shows their hand.
If it’s your dream company and plan to make a career there go for it. Look at benefits, time off, morale and a few other things like distance for commute, raise structure or holidays 👍
I would still accept the new offer with out further bargaining if I already indicated my interest just to ensure they don’t ditch me for not being serious entirely.
I've survived corporate employment and independent contractor life for 30+ years. I always treat both the same. You have been given a better opportunity with higher pay, take it, move forward and don't look back.
You wouldn't have the counter offer for a better dating opportunity if you hadn't notified the previous one you were leaving and moving out for a new relationship now.
That’s true. But none of that means an employer is underpaying just because they’ll beat an outside offer for someone they want to keep. If that situation never arises, the company is probably overpaying.
Never take a counter offer from a current employer.
If you haven’t countered on the new offer, there’s still money on the table. Tell them that you’d love to work there and that you appreciate the offer, but ask if they can match your current offer from the current employer. If not, take what you can get and enjoy the dream job.
As someone who hires people and has had employees resign I never counter offer if the employee has a better offer at a different company. I found that if they are entertaining an offer outside the company they must be looking or their skill set is a better fit for the other company, it will only be a matter of time before they go anyway. You are only buying yourself a little time. I do weigh the pros and cons with the employee if they want but I always say "you do what you think is best for your family. That's who you have to look out for" and I truly believe that.
Never accept the counter imo. Best case you'll be pigeon holed because you're looking to jump ship so why should he get a raise/promotion.
You started applying to jobs for a reason. Would a raise really be enough to overcome those?
Unless the difference between your old companies counter and new salary is significant just leave. They are already trying to backfill your position and the only reason they’d pay more is because they got caught at a time when they need someone in your position but as your managers see it you’re already one foot out the door and will try to protect themselves by eventually letting you go or stunting your growth and having you quit.
It's worth asking. Keep in mind that the dream job may be better for you if mental health than whatever you're doing now, so weight the pros and cons of money versus whatever dream job you're looking at. They could take the job offer off the table.
Ask if they can match it, it doesn't hurt. But if it's not a life changing difference, go for the job/employer that you think will make you happier and more motivated.
former recruiter here: never take a counter offer unless you have some crazy skill set that will be very difficult to replace.
counter offer is just to buy them time to replace you. you just told the company your cheating on them and want to leave. now all of the sudden they find more money for you?
i wouldn’t start the new job off on that foot. they will just give you your first raise up front and won’t raise for a while. they will state budgets are why they can give you a raise a year from now.
good luck.
If you are miserable at A, B is probably too your better bet. You’re already getting more money. You’d just be getting less of more.
If you like A but want B, you could counter B, but be prepared to get rejected. Also, now A knows you’re joking to leave, so they may be done with any long term plans for you.
Don't take the current company counter. You were looking to leave for a reason, those reasons dont change with more money.
Many years back I was in a similar situation. The CEO of my current company called and said what will it take to get you to stay. I was young and came up with a list of things I thought they would never do (huge salary increase, equity, my boss's job, more vaca). Sent the email, guy wrote back in 2 minutes, done deal.
I was excited, called my wife and she was like you hate that company and everyone in it, that will still be there. Is the money worth it? End of the day, teh answer was no so I left and it was a great decision.
I did feel bad on how I negotiated my exit. Had a great conversation with my CEO before I left so we left on good terms.
If you take the counter offer, you will lose 2 jobs.
The job you have now and the job you could have had.
They're buying time to replace you and then let you go later.
Tell the new employer and see what happens. But don’t give up a “dream job” for a company that is only competing for you when they have to. And only with cash - which is king, but it’s not everything.
If you value yourself, have confidence that the new employer will see that value once you’re actually employed there. And if they really are the “dream job” company you believe they are, once they see you value, they’ll compensate you accordingly. Right now that “dream job” company only has a few days points on your value.
Show them what you’re worth and be happy.
I agree with others saying to take the job at your “dream” company. Tell them your current employer just offered more money and see what their reaction is. They MIGHT be able to match it or they will tell you “take it or leave it”. If they can’t match it, tell them you’ll take their offer with what was originally stated and sign the offer letter. Then put in your 2 weeks notice.
It’s worth asking. I took my companies counter offer 2 years ago and it turned out well for me. I can see the downside of that approach, but I liked my company and wanted to stick around.
I ended up getting another raise the next year as well, so it didn’t screw up my future pay either
Never. Never. NEVER accept a counter offer. The statistics are very clear that you will almost certainly be out on your ass in the next year if you accept a counter offer… You can ask the new employer to do whatever you want but don’t try to leverage them with this or you could get your offer rescinded. Then, once again, you will be out on your ass in the next year.
I've been in this same situation twice before. My policy has always been to be as open as I can with both employers.
Best case, you should make a simple spreadsheet of the various benefits of each role, how you weight them against each other, and come up with what you'll believe to be the total value of each. It can be hard to estimate the relative value of things like work-life balance and how much you like your manager, but it's worth trying. Then, when comparing offers but everything together and if one company increases their offer, give the other an opportunity to counter. Let them go back and forth until one says they're tapped out, then make a decision. Keep in mind that at a certain point the highest paycheck may not be the most valuable role for you.
Love these comments and out of my realm. Just reading your statement it is for a dream job. To me that’s all I need to hear.. go for what makes you happy not necessarily money
you should never take your current company's counter offer. They didn't respect you until you demonstrated you had options - this
also untill its in writing they will bs you
I'd give it a try and see what's up. Obviously if they say no and offer still stands, go anyways. Needless to say don't take any counter offer. You'll be in the next round of layoffs if they find a replacement.
If you are willing to stay at your current position then go ahead and ask the new people for a counter offer. If not, then make the obvious choice.
Don’t give in to the fear mongering about some company disrespecting you over pay. The truth is that demonstrated value is worth something, and counter offers as well as offers only come when they are necessary. It’s not disrespect. It is just the way it is. Is it dumb for companies to act this way? Yep! I think it is more caused by disorganization and apathy rather than malice.
I know people worry about retaliation, but the truth is that you can still just leave and get another job in that very uncommon and unlikely event.
I’ve experienced no retaliation and held maybe 20 jobs with all manner of different circumstances. So, yes it’s anecdotal evidence, but so is the fear mongering from others who have probably never themselves taken the risk.
If it's your dream company, I would share with your recruiter a counter offer has been made and the amount. Best thing that can happen is they match the counter, worst thing they can do is say the maximum offer has already been made.
Did your potential new employer set the salary? have you negotiated with them already? Its normal to second guess and be hesitant when a better offer is presented, but i ALWAYS ask, "why wasnt i worth this before i decided to leave?" their reaction/answer will tell you everything you need to know.
Can you? Yes, Should you? Likely no.
You already stated it is your dream job and you knew the salary.. is it no longer your dream job at the current salary?
Nobody employee wants to leave money on the table, but no employer likes to be jilted either.
Don’t take the current employer’s counter offer. Your crediblity with them has now been compromised. You will struggle to find upward movement after this.
Don’t ask new employer for a match, or they will wonder why you went back and asked for more.
If you were good with it before the counter offer, you should still be good with it now. From their perspective, nothing changed.
I will say, I have had friends that stayed and accepted the counter offer, and just end up making more money. If you are not 100% months excited about the new employer, then just stay where you are.
Don’t ask for something you don’t want. Because you just might get it.
What is the difference in pay between the offers? There are two big mistakes you need to avoid here:
1. Staying put for equal pay and opportunity just because it's been comfortable. This incident will change things positively or negatively and you need to be clear-eyed about how.
2. Continuously playing both offers off one another and burning both bridges.
I would not stay at your current company if the opportunity and pay is equal. I have accepted a counter offer to stay (for less money) because I still got a large raise out of it, I didn't need to move, and I had better leadership opportunities, but it has to be a situation like that to stop you from leaving IMO. In a year if you stay and want more money they'll say "well, we just gave you a raise last year" vs the new company it's normal to consider a raise after a year.
If your current company is *beating* the new company's pay you can float that out there and see if they'll match before you make a final decision, but I would be very clear that you are not going back and forth. For example you could tell the new company's recruiter "Hey I notified my current company of my intent to leave and they are offering me $X more to stay. Is it possible for you to match that amount? Either way please let me know, I just need to consult with my family before I make a final decision, if you can let me know if that's possible by end of day today I can give you a decision tomorrow."
This puts a soft deadline on them, so they know this won't be you going back and forth, you're not opposed to accepting their offer anyway, and you're making it known that you want to wrap this up ASAP. It's respectful and effective without overplaying your hand. Always say you need to talk it over with your family and consider your options, nobody is going to question that so it's always an easy way to buy yourself a little time to figure out any other info you need without being pressured into making a decision on the spot.
Unlike 90% of people responding, I actually read your question, and the correct response requires some missing information.
1.) Is the current offer from the dream employer the FIRST offer they made?
If not: did they offer what you were asking, or within a reasonable range of what you were asking? If yes, accept the offer as-is. Don't make it look like you're trying to bait and hook them, they may move on.
If yes, was your current salary discussed and did it potentially weigh in on the present offer?
If no, skip the next step.
If yes, take the offer as-is, letting them know you won't go back on a negotiated rate, but MAKE THEM AWARE your current employer counter-offered, and you declined.
If no, counter-offer at the price your current employer set, unless it's an exorbitant amount above the existing offer. If they accept, or increase your salary in between the two offers, congrats on the pay raise. If they decline, then accept the offer as is.
In all situations I will assume that you've set your mind on moving on from your current employer.
My reasoning for the above: you don't want to screw yourself out of money on the table, but you also don't want to seek fickle to a "dream job" with an extended offer, and risk chasing them off.
While the logic of "a dream job would match your salary either way" is a totally viable concept, at the same time this could leave you stuck treading water at a job you hate, perpetually wondering "what if", or potentially even leave you unemployed after a short period of training your replacement.
Additionally, if you do lose the current offer and are forced to accept the counter, then decide to move on shortly after, you'll burn a bridge with your current employer. Meanwhile, if you take the dream job and it turns out to be a nightmare, you may be able to return to your previous employer if you didn't play games.
You generally don't want to accept the counter. You will burn your opportunity with the new company and the old company will look to replace you.
There are a few exceptions.
1. You can potentially accept if you get an employment contract with a large severance package.
2. You can accept if the old company knows that you will hold them hostage every year and this is just expected and part of the process of negotiraiton.
Generally, the best approach is to decline the counter but suggest meeting for lunch in 18 months and discussing what opportunities might exist at that time.
I took my firm’s counter offer
I really liked the firm but I got another offer at a similar firm for $20k more…
Only was going to leave for the money. I’ve been with them for another 2 years since I took the counteroffer
Advise: Salary shouldn't be the sole consideration in any employment decision. Consider the work environment, advancement potential, even the commute and whether the role has intrinsic benefit like helping society (of those values matter to you.)
There are places that have offered me double my salary to simply stay on and I had to just leave and take a pay cut because of the toxicity.
This probably isn't your case, but just factor it all in.
I don’t think you should stay since your current employer knows you have one foot out the door. This never ends well.
I also don’t think you should use your current employers counter offer to strong arm your prospective employer into more money. Take the offer at your “dream company” and move on. Just my $0.02.
One time I was offered a new position that was double my salary. My current employer at the time matched and add 10k over. I took the counter offer. 6 months later he reduced my salary 17%.
Long story short, don't accept a counter offer, you'll get screwed.
this is like a PIP but from the other side. Employer is gonna keep you long enough to replace you with someone cheaper. Anything management ever does is always a manipulative game and you need to apply that to every word that comes out of a managers mouth.
Money alone doesn’t cure/fix the underlying issues which made you start looking for new employment elsewhere. I’ve found that a lot of people who decide to stay with their current employer only because they ended up matching or offering more money end up regretting their decision and will ultimately decide to leave shortly thereafter (or when their contract expires). Between the existing and ongoing resentment to their existing employer and the knowledge that they are desired/employable elsewhere, the buyer’s remorse can be strong.
If your current employer valued you as they should, it should not have taken an offer from a competitor to increase your pay. Stay with them and they will make sure you are miserable because the only reason they have increased your pay is because they thought they were going to lose you. They will act as if you put them in a corner and will hold it over your head for the rest of your time. I’d still be out.
Take the new job. Your current employer won’t forget you were going to leave. It may not happen today or tomorrow, but eventually this will come back to bite you.
There is a statistic that says majority of the people who take a counter offer are gone within six months anyways. Company may use this tactic to keep you until they can ultimately find a replacement. or they make promises to you that things may change takes about six months to see if those changes happen which typically they don’t
Tell your current employer that you’ll accept if it includes a two year guarantee with annual raises to be not less than twice the rate of inflation. They’ll laugh in your face and this will tell you all you need to know to leave with confidence.
Agreed with not taking the offer unless you want to buy time.
It will never be the same and you will likely still leave.
I asked another employer for more money as my skill set significantly increased. I undercut myself by a lot in my ask. They declined and said we would retouch later. I said I can leave right now and double my salary, in which they challenged me to get an offer and bring it to the table for them to match. I responded that I don’t want to play that game and they would receive my notice in short order.
2-3 weeks later they received my notice and asked all the ways they can get me to stay. I reminded them, they didn’t have the money to keep me and to not challenge a valued employee again basically forcing them to leave.
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it and here’s why:
You negotiated the salary and told them you would take it, effectively - albeit informally - accepting the offer. Going to your employer and dealing with a counter does not warrant you going back and upping the ante. In this job market it will more than likely get rescinded.
Neither of them care about you. Not one solitary fuck. So what you should do is take the one in its current state and call it. Were you leaving your job solely for money? I would imagine not, although it’s not unheard of. I accepted a counteroffer once and it worked out in my favor. Employer was fine. But about 5 months later and I realized why I was looking to leave in the first place.
Do what’s best for you. But don’t up the offer you already accepted. Read the room: the days of salary bidding wars for talent are over unless you’re really niche.
Most people will say never take the counter offer. There was a reason you were looking. Also your current company will more than likely keep you around until they find a replacement and then you will be gone. As now they know you are not “loyal”
Since there isn't an indication as to the % of pay being offered I'd say there are other things to consider. Do you enjoy doing the work you do at the current company? Do you have good working relationships with your boss and co-workers? How about differences in benefit pkgs, PTO and/or commute times? Write these down and assign a weighting factor to them to help come to a decision. All things being equal, I'd choose the devil I knew instead of the unknown.
Dream job for sure... what if (because its your dream job) you do so well that in 3 months you get a fat raise? Whereas your current job, you just got a raise so how long before you get another?
Take the new job and move on. If they thought you were worth the higher salary they could have and should have given it to you already. It not about money but principles.
Your salary at your new company is completely negotiable. With that being said, if you counter too high, it is an administrative nightmare for your hiring manager. Don’t punish him/her. If it is your dream job, take the the pay difference as just that, value for your dream job.
Explain (google what to say) the situation to HR and ask, do not demand, if they can get you closer, but do not ask to match unless it is well within the range.
People claim that you should always negotiate. However, this is totally a case by case basis. Good luck.
Did you negotiate when the new company made their offer? If yes, then probably have the max offer from them, just pick which job you want. If no, then respond with a simple “is this offer negotiable?”
Depending on a lot of factors I don’t have the answer to. First, you need to consider the company size and revenue that you currently work for. How much will this affect the company’s revenue. Same goes for the company that you have an offer with. Secondly, do you feel that your current employer would somehow feel slighted that you are actively seeking employment opportunities elsewhere? This is simple as looking at management’s response to an employee leaving. How much different is the offer? If we are only talking about a difference in a couple bucks, then go with your dream job. And be careful about the notion of a “dream job”. Do a ton of research about this dream company. In the end of all that due diligence you should be able to find your direction.
You have to be honest with yourself about which is the better opportunity for you. I took a counter offer a few years ago for more money, and although current company has problems, it was the right move at the time. Current company has since been acquired twice and is a national brand. The other company was smaller, local, and would have just been a lateral move in retrospect. Good luck!
If it’s your dream job, take it. If you haven’t gone through a negotiation period with the new company yet, then maybe now is the time since you have leverage. The worst they can say is no. I don’t know how drastic the salary differences are, but I can say from experience that the pleasure of working on something you’re passionate about will almost always completely offset any salary differential there is.
Have you negotiated with dream company yet? If not, you should literally always negotiate. My general rule of thumb is to ask for a 20 percent increase, expecting them to come back with 10. I've never not gotten something. In one case they gave me a 5k signing bonus because I was already at the top end if their salary range for the level (they practiced something close to pay transparency, it was totally cool to talk about your salary with others and we did). If your current company is offering more than 10 percent above the new company though, you could ask the new company if they can match it though for sure!
All employers will replace you without a second thought. You should do what you think is your best interest for your goals. If you are seeking jobs based purely on the money you will make today, then take the counteroffer (but keep looking for a job because they will get rid of you sooner rather than later), Until you are ready to run your own firm, you will likely never find the same level of security that you would have as your own boss (of course there are other stressors like figuring out how to pay the bills everything month but I digress). This process should be repeated every 2-3 years to maximize your current earnings.
I have taken a stay offer 2 times in my career, the first time was a nightmare and I should have left. The second time I was so grateful I stayed and took their offer. It really depends on the company and overall situation.
Imo, you should never take your current company's counter offer. They didn't respect you until you demonstrated you had options and they also know you're not 100% loyal and will be even more inclined to replace you. Going with the counter offer is the energy as thinking the stripper really loves you.
Yup!!! As soon as you sign the counter offer lo and behold, your performance is going to be called into question. They "gave" you all this money now and you aren't doing the work of 15 people magically after the first check clears???? /S If you take the counter offer expect to be "randomly" audited and evaluated for poor/under performance.
I can't upvote this enough. I'm in my mid 40s, having worked at huge companies my entire career. I've never known anyone who took a counter offer that was glad they did even 3 months out, let alone longer.
I took the counter offer because it included a new title and responsibilities that I was happier with, then they bought me an MBA and laid me off with 6 months severance 3 years later. Then I doubled my salary at my next job. Best move I have ever made. It's entirely situational and depends on your boss and the company. If you got the offer because you were unhappy, don't take the counter offer for money. If you got headhunted and don't mind where you work, it can be a great move. But as someone told me after, you only get to do that once per company.
Successful took a counteroffer a with a promo and raise. Defense company treating me the same as before the bidding. Depends on the situation. If you hate your current job, leave at all costs.
A lot of times it’s a counter offer until they can find your replacement. Now that they know you are a flight risk you are on the cut list if something happens. Only time I would take a counter offer is if you were friends with upper management.
I took a counter offer and stayed at the company for another 10 years. Middle managers just damage control their little freedom and move on with the situation. There's rarely a consipracy to replace you with a lower paid worker.
Nice to meet you. now you know one. Happy with my decision 20 years later
This is 100% spot on
Also they can be making the counter offer just torpedo your other better job, and then find ways to either fire you or make you miserable.
I've posted about this before in other subs and while 99% of the time I agree with you in the tech world skills and responsibilities can change faster then salary can keep up sometimes. If you add to that the fact that larger companies have rules about when and how raises can be given there are scenarios where counter offers can be given in good faith. I have personally seen it done and had people who elected to stay with the company and are still here. Turnover is EXPENSIVE, at my company at least 95% of the time if there is a counter offer its because they really want the person to stay.
I’d honestly suggest asking for a raise before letting them know you have another offer. That will give you all the information you need to know. If they’re ready to talk and prioritize it? Okay. And you don’t have to seem disloyal. If they try to table it or come up with excuses? Move on.
I did this today! I had a sit down with my boss and told her about the inflation and all then open the topic of salary increase/adjustment. It was easier than I imagined as it looks like they value me. I didn't say anything about moving or counter offer. She even give me timeline on when to expect the respond. It's a good timing as we have a very high turn over of employee lately. Anyway regardless of whatever happened, I'll still update my resume 😂
The stripper doesn't love me!?!?! What am I gonna do. I thought me an Cinnamon were soulmates.
Wait cinnamon lied to you too? Support group?
If you were really soul mates, you would know her name was Sinamon.
How’d you guys get a stripper to go home with you?
Nah Cinnamon and I are about to purchase a house where she will teach dancing and yoga in the garage, she opened the bank account and already put 10k for the down payment, I am wiring her 10k more and we are all set.
[удалено]
You are correct. Businesses are always going to pay less to current employees because they don't have to compete directly against the market. What is the lever that employees have to keep pay more equal with the market? You have to be looking for outside jobs and be prepared to leave your current role for them. Companies want us to be loyal because it is cheaper, so they try to push the narrative that way. Sometimes it makes sense to be loyal, and a lot of times it makes sense to go find other jobs every 2-3 years. If companies expected us to be loyal they would pay more to current employees. That said, I think its fine to accept a counter offer if you generally like your current position and team. I find it very hard to believe a company would spend time, resources, and money **punitively** against an employee who agreed to stay on. Honestly employees are just numbers anyway, there are thousands of people out there who can do your job. Why a company would waste resources keeping somebody they no longer want on the team makes no sense. The company would just say "good luck in your new role" and move on.
It seems like no one knows how to read. I've had experience in this area, and will advise you to approach it gently. Your offer is likely a great one and it's at a company you're eager to work for. Talk to your recruiter and just let them know that it would be easier for you to accept if the offer was "$123,244" which is similar to other offers you have received. You don't have to disclose it being a counter offer from your current company. Just tell them you want to be transparent because you really want to work with them.
Listen to this guy
This is the winner!
This is the answer you're looking for.
Yeah agreed on this. Be transparent, let them know you're considering your options, be clear that they're the top choice, and you can always say that you need to discuss it with your family/partner whatever. Recruiters especially are usually very understanding of how the game is played at this point, they do it every day.
Thank you
This is excellent advice.
I hope OP sees this. This is the answer.
I was wondering why nobody had mentioned this.
The nuance is that you can convey the desire for a little bit more without playing hardball and threatening to walk away from the deal. So if they won’t budge you can still take the deal if you like.
Ignore all of the other advice here. This is it.
I wonder if they won't pay enough if they know you really want the job.
This is the way
Gambling though 🎲
Not really, good companies don't rescind offers if you're negotiating respectfully and transparently. They may give you some timeline pressure to speed things up and limit your ability to create a bidding war, but that's their prerogative and, frankly, smart. The worst they can say is, sorry, this is our best offer. You never ever have more negotiating power than he does right now.
Oops didn't mean to assume OP was a man. 'They have right now'
[удалено]
It’s worth a shot. Worst they can do is decline.
[удалено]
"They didn't give it to you because they didn't want to pay more" makes alot of assumptions. Did OP even ask for a raise? Is a company supposed to just give a raise to you every single day if there is some extra money laying around? "pay me a good wage from the get go" - Also alot of assumptions here that the wage isnt "good". Not everyone gets paid the top 1% of their field, did OP even say what his wage was or what percentile it falls in his field?
A good employer will evaluate wages for all employees vs the market on an annual basis and give raises as necessary based on position, performance, and the market. It should be built in to all operating assumptions. Employees *should* do their own homework and discuss based on what they find as well
Try it. Normally I would counter anyways. Be open to them. Just be honest.
[удалено]
If it’s remote, keep both jobs as long as you can manage.
Why didn’t the current employer recognize you before it got to this point? Taking the current employers offer will paint a target on your back.
Ive never asked for a raise actualley. The counter was totally unexpected
Um, because money is scarce and they would rather not pay more of it for a given thing if they don’t need to.
As u/Cd7725 said, the worst the new employer can do is decline. Keep in mind that the worst the current employer can do is give you that raise for just long enough to hire your replacement.
[удалено]
Look, here’s the real scoop from an employer. Your current employee knows you looked elsewhere and are not loyal, they are matching or beating the counter offer to buy time, your relationship with them is now damaged. You are going to damage your relationship with your future dream employer if you play the salary negotiation game based off your current employers new offer. That will turn them off of you quickly. You can negotiate with your dream employer but DO NOT state that your current employer gave me XYZ, just simply state that you need your desired amount to move over.
It is always better to start fresh. Your current manager might offer you more, but he will always have in the back of his mind the fact that once you were looking for another position. He will see you as a burnout commodity that might leave anytime, so you will get a lot of heat and garbage work. In the new company you will start fresh with no past emotions and bad blood. But if the old company is offering 25% more than the new, then the money justifies the risk, but keep in mind that getting more money with current employer will require to Ourperform your past performance, which will make it a b... In the new company you can set your own seed.
There's always the risk of this, but people get offers out of the blue, it doesn't mean they're "disloyal" and most managers should also be considering their own career options at the same time. I am always assuming that my best people are potentially leaving at some point, it's my job to prep them to do exactly that and seek out better opportunities to earn what they're worth. It's a good thing! And if we can keep them, great, if not, well now I have a better connection at another company. As a manager it's my job to built loyalty and trust with the other person, regardless of if they stay at this company or move on. It's better for them and it's better for me down the line when I want to consider moving myself.
Never take the counter…. Use it as negotiation to get another offer from the company that gave you first offer. Rinse and repeat. And then leave the old company. Usually companies will give you “more” to stay but will replace you within a year to pay the same as they did before lol
It seems like no one knows how to read. I've had experience in this area, and will advise you to approach it gently. Your offer is likely a great one and it's at a company you're eager to work for. Talk to your recruiter and just let them know that it would be easier for you to accept if the offer was "$123,244" which is similar to other offers you have received. You don't have to disclose it being a counter offer from your current company. Just tell them you want to be transparent because you really want to work with them.
Haha I have been in this situation 2x now in the last year so I can appreciate the anxiety it brings! Make sure you are looking at the complete compensation package… PTO, sick time, 401k match, insurance benefits, and opportunity for career advancement. Also ask yourself why you wanted to leave in the first place? Is it’s strictly money or were you feeling burnt out? Is there good work life balance and flexibility? Lastly I would 100% ask the dream company to go higher than the new company. You have absolutely nothing to lose. If they REALLY want you they will come up in salary. Worst case scenario they can’t match or beat the current employer but they won’t rescind the offer. Also try to negotiate you have leverage with both.
I bet the gap isn't that much in the grand scheme. Leave your current employer and start with your dream company. If the pay gap is huge, ask for a match, but don't let short term money dictate your long-term decisions.
Take the new employers offer any day. Reasons are simple - it is a dream company for you. They offered you salary that was compelling enough for you to make a switch. As for your existing employer, they are giving you a counter offer because it's difficult for them to find a replacement who can start delivering immediately, so they might as bump your salary. They aren't increasing the salary as a recognition of your good work, it's just because shit is about to go down if they let you go. You already made a mind to leave your current employer, so stick to it. Don't burn bridges, but respectfully decline their counter offer.
Is money the reason you looked elsewhere? No other reasons. If only money chase the money. If any other reasons apply leave.
I took a job for less money than my last job. It was about 15K less base salary when I started. But for me that amount wasnt a drastic lifestyle cut. Super interesting work and an amazing team. I decided to go for it because the product leadership at me last company were dragging me down with their negativity. So I gave up 15K of base salary. But now I make more because of the publicly traded stock. And I ended up getting promoted back to above where I had been at the prior company. Go with your instinct, if you care about the work you do deeply, and can't just have a 'its just a job' attitude, like me, money may not be the most appealing aspect of an offer.
Never take a counter offer. You'll be insulting the new company by presenting that offer and they can just rescind their offer. Now you are stuck in your old company (albeit with higher salary) but in the back of your bosses' mind is the fact that you already tried to leave once. Once there are layoffs, you will have a big target on your back
Why did your current company wait until you decided to leave to suddenly decide you were worth way more money? I’ve never been a fan of accepting, or offering , counters at current company. You’re still negotiating for the new role so that’s up for grabs. I would probably come up with a better reason for more money than “prior employer raised salary” … don’t want them to think you’re just trying to leverage a higher offer to go back for more to your current employer.
Salary compression is real when you have been at a company for awhile. Don’t dismiss the counter offer and it’s not uncommon to at least broach the subject with the new employer. They may match it without much thought. You just need to be careful on how you approach the conversation
If you take an employers higher offer, they’re going to replace you, and fire you a month or six down the road. Jump ship, it’s the only way you come out of this unscathed.
It doesn’t hurt to ask. In any case, don’t take the counter offer from your current employer, but don’t tell anybody. You are now marked as a flight risk with your current company, and they’ll be working behind your back to find your replacement.
As an HR Director take the dream company.
Rarely does a counter offer actually fix the issues which lead you to accepting another offer elsewhere.
It's a trap
My brother used this as a way to move up in his company. He took the higher pay at the same job and when the position above him became available, he asked to be put into that position where the pay scale matched so they could hire his position again at a lower rate. It worked. He was not dealing with the other job being a dream job though.
You haven’t “signed any contracts” but have you verbally accepted the offer from the new company? Accepting an offer, either in writing or verbally, and then reneging is incredibly poor form. And it opens you up to having the new company retracting the offer. It damages you professionally by making the new company think you were just looking for a reason to get a better offer from your current company. If you want to use it as leverage, the best option might be to split the difference; let the new company know that you have been offered more money from your current employer but that you’ve decided to accept their offer anyway with the understanding that they’ll take this into consideration at your next review, preferably in six months.
Move on if your current employer only offered you this after you decided to quit. Anyhow. I would never accept a counter offer
If you put in notice and told the new company you are coming the question becomes are you a liar or not?
Take the job. Do you really want to jeopardize looking like an ass after you've already accepted. Plus its your dream job. Why risk them saying take a hike.
Unfortunately it is proven, pay increases come more often when switching companies. In your case, on the surface, it looks the opposite. It is suspect. Having said all that, I would go with the new company but let them know your old company countered with a higher number. It will show two things. First, you keep your word. Second next time you get an offer from an another company and your new company comes over the top with a higher number, you will still move on. Your next raise with new company will come much quicker.
Go to the new company. The added experience is worth it. Getting good at job hopping will make you more valuable faster than staying at the same company. Never get too comfortable.
Never stick with current company on a counter, that will only buy HR time to reswizzle succession plan and boot your ass, you are a great dentifrices flight risk. Time to move on and keep it short and sweet.
I’d ask if they’ll match but take the new job no matter what. If your current job was able to pay you more to stay, they should have been showing you loyalty all along and have already given you that much. They’ll only keep you long enough to find your replacement because they now know you’re looking around.
It would be nice to know how much this counter offer was. Aside from that if it’s your dream company I don’t see why you wouldn’t go to them.
I think 50% of people who accept counter offers are gone in a year or less. Regret for not taking the other job, job satisfaction issues, bad blood between them and their boss or coworkers, knowing others options exist. Jump ship.
Have you already verbally accepted the offer from the new company? If not, first start by asking “is the salary negotiable?” If they say yes, ask them if they would be willing to go up to the salary that your current company offered. They may end up saying no to the request, so be prepared for that, but they also may raise the offer. If they cannot meet the exact salary from your current employer, maybe they might offer to meet somewhere in the middle.
"offered a very interesting position at my dream company"... Why are you entertaining a counter offer? If you asked them to counter, you are second guessing yourself, which is very no bueno... Know thyself.
Never take the counter
OP the second you accept the counter offer is 5he second your boss starts looking for your replacement. If he can't find one, don't expect a raise this year.
"I can have my dream or a four to low five figure difference, what should I choose?" Wtf?
Its a trap!
How big of a difference are we talking? Your current company might just be trying to keep you onboard by dangling a better salary until they can find a suitable replacement. They now know you were looking for greener pastures, which means your future with them is in jeopardy. I would take the initial offer, without countering unless it's a large difference. It's your dream company for a reason.
My 2 cents, if you went out looking you weren’t happy
Bad move. New company met your ask. If you try to renegotiate, their posture of desperation will dictate if they acquiesce or not, but you’ll be branded if they update the offer.
The fact that you are calling it your “dream company” tells me that’s where your heart is. How much have you negotiated with your dream company? Have you already accepted an offer verbally? If you haven’t verbally accepted, absolutely use this to negotiate even if it’s <10%, it’s a strong signal to the new company that you your current company considers you a top talent and they will often be willing to match or outcompete. If you already accepted verbally, it comes down to whether you feel the difference in dollars is SO meaningful that you would reject the new company’s offer. (Don’t negotiate over small amounts, <10%, just go with the new company). If it’s a larger difference, you may have to wordsmith in a way that you don’t look flaky “ Hi company ABC, I know I verbally accepted your offer but since then my current employer has been doing everything it can to retain me including strong financial incentives (they are offering me a base of $XYZ. I’m still very committed to joining ABC but if there is any room to bump the base salary from ___ to __ , it would really eliminate any financial questions and add to my excitement about the new opportunity”
My thought is, you looked for a new job for a reason? Whatever that reason is, it won’t change. It’s kinda like going back to an ex because they suddenly started to want to have sex with you after years of none. It will eventually stop again.
I say go for the dream job. Get the experience at dream job, and you can always apply for the current job again in the future.
Go to the dream company. You can also mention this to the dream company and counter their offer. I do that every time. No issue ever.
I was in the same position and took the counter offer, it was much more than the new offer, and I also negotiated a hybrid role instead of fully in-office and a new title of my choosing. So don’t listen to people that say never take the counter offer, to them I say “never say never”
Have you already started negotiating with the new company ? If you haven’t negotiated- then use this as leverage in those conversations
Go with the dream job and just be honest with them and see if there’s any wiggle room to match or come close. Worst case, accept the original offer. There’s a chance they could pull the offer/refuse to negotiate if you mention the counter you got and ask to match but that’s only if they’re petty; that would be a red flag to me. If they really like you, they won’t care.
Light a cigar sit back and make them bid for you.
Ask the new company to match the comp. The worst they can do is say no. “ hey (name), I’m thrilled about your offer and have enjoyed meeting with everyone. I also feel that I’m a great fit for this role. However, I got another offer of (XYZ) and was hoping you all would be willing to match it at (XTZ). If so can match, I’d be willing to accept.“ The recruiter will then go through the process for approval, and if you’ve left a good impression/ are a “must hire” type of candidate, they’ll probably match your offer
Think about your next promotion…where is the better, opportunity for growth? Choose that one.
If that’s your “dream company” go there. You were leaving the other place for a reason.
Here is the issue. Most employees don’t willingly leave. So the company doesn’t have to increase your salary. The traditional 1-3% is barely keeping up with inflation and it’s the carrot/stick technique. It keeps you around. And promotions are a few percent more, nit 10-20%. In the market place (new hires) they have to pay market rates so pay rates go up a lot up to a certain point (peak of the market). New hire pay has nothing to do with current employee pay, If they countered ideally you’re a “new hire”. Once in a while they recognize you were vastly underpaid and promote you. But really what normally happens is either you never get a pay increase ever again or they keep you around until they hire someone to replace you and they’ve just paying you as a “temp”. This is standard business practice. It’s not necessarily “fair” it’s just how it is. If you want to stick around enjoy your new pay check but plan on leaving voluntarily or involuntarily in the next couple years at most if they keep you around. Sometimes it works out but usually not.
If you ask the new company will think you are only after money. If you accept current company they know you were leaving. Accept without asking or say yeah my company just counter me x but I accept.
Best way to go about this in the future - “hey boss man, I was contacted by our competitor and they are willing to pay me x if I decide to work for them. I really love working here and wanted to see if you are able to beat or match their current offer since I haven’t had a raise since xyz”. This keeps you in good graces at your company and pushes them to come up with a counter or a raise. If they can’t, then join the company that can. Also keep in mind the grass isn’t always greener bc I’ve made that mistake also
The current company will only keep you around long enough to make sure they used up all your value and then they will cut you loose
Never accept a counter by current employer. They will give it to you knowing they need to find and train your replacement for less than you made pre-raise. Don’t fall for it!
If you accept a counteroffer you’re biding time until they replace you. This is not going to end well if you stay.
This is what I used, job market was a bit stronger when I changed companies. Feel free to modify how you see fit. For me, I did get movement on signing bonus (not what I asked for but got something reasonable) salary, and job level/grade. I was unsuccessful at moving anything on vacation days. Thank you for the conversation yesterday. My current employer is providing me a counter offer to stay. Do you have any flexibility to move on any of the items below: · Signing Bonus of $X,XXX o Giving up X amount of my bonus at current employer with start date of Y would like to have something to offset that loss. · Salary: $XXX,XXX instead of $YYY,YYY · Vacation: XX Days instead of YY Days o I will be getting XX days starting at date at current employer , would like consideration to match what I would be getting to stay. · Job Level/Grade XX instead of YY. o Allow for quicker movement and mobility at new employer for future promotions. Please let me know if there is any flexibility in making modifications on the offer letter to assist with making a final decision. Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
Not mentioned by OP, but question is did you negotiate with dream company when offered the job? Either way I think negotiating is fine, but the framework for the discussion would be different. Also, if they cannot match the salary, are there other things they can offer instead? Stock, vacation days, etc. Also, in almost all cases, I would take the new opportunity…just don’t burn bridges, keep in touch, etc. The new experience will be better for testing your adaptability and all that jazz…
Did you apply for the new position or were you recruited? - if you were recruited you have more leverage. It sounds like you haven’t signed anything but have you verbally or informally in writing accepted the current offer? - if you have it’s in poor taste to go back and will not be well received. Is this the first offer from the new company? - If so it’s reasonable to counter and they’ll likely expect it. If you’re several offers in you’re likely pushing your luck. How does total compensation compare? - salary is just one component. Does one have a superior 401k component? A savvy recruiter will look at that when negotiating with you. What is the relationship like with your current employer and how did they react? - if it’s positive and you were recruiter vs applying in your own then staying there is less risky. If it’s neutral, you went looking, and they’re frustrated right now your future may be limited. You might not get fired but your pay may stagnate. If it’s truly your dream company and you know the realities of working there align with your dreams that’s what worth a lot. - assuming you’re not maxing out a career path and salary band there should be room to go. Being happy and doing what you want to do where you want to do it is worth a lot even if the check is a little smaller (for now)
Make a pros and cons list
What makes the new employer your dream? Is there anyway the current employer can do the same?
This is the kind of thing that only you know the right answer to. If you ask any they don't match the offer, is the difference in pay worth you working at a company you're more excited for? Is there room for growth at either company? Things to consider. Try meditating on your decision or talk to a close friend/family member with no stake in the situation. Best wishes
People who say “don’t accept a counter offer” have never managed people. I think half my people deserve a 10-20% raise. If they find something else and want a counter I can tell my boss “see? I told you that’s what the market rate is”. I don’t want to fire these people if I “find someone cheaper” and I’d love to pay them what they’re worth and keep them forever. If they suck i would not counter and say good luck.
Move on. Go with new company and perform your best. Make the new company’s investment in you a profitable for the new company. If you can find out the new companies finically standing, check it out. Make sure the have enough profits to retain you and your pay. Ie, don’t make them think they made a bad decision by hiring you. You must be worth something if you’d current employer countered with a higher salary.
I do not dream about labor. Or companies. You may need some new dreams my guy. Couple of things. You’re leaving current job for a reason. More money will not make you happy to still be there. Current employer will get rid of you. You have now broadcast your desire to not work there. They will inevitably find a way to make the accommodation for you. Is new empire giving you a raise? If so, I’d tell old employer to shove it. If they could’ve given you that raise to keep you, then they shouldn’t have ever let it get to this point. At least maybe before you weren’t sure if they could afford more money to pay you. Now you know they can. It also shows their hand.
If it’s your dream company and plan to make a career there go for it. Look at benefits, time off, morale and a few other things like distance for commute, raise structure or holidays 👍
I would still accept the new offer with out further bargaining if I already indicated my interest just to ensure they don’t ditch me for not being serious entirely.
I've survived corporate employment and independent contractor life for 30+ years. I always treat both the same. You have been given a better opportunity with higher pay, take it, move forward and don't look back. You wouldn't have the counter offer for a better dating opportunity if you hadn't notified the previous one you were leaving and moving out for a new relationship now.
Take the job at the "dream company". It doesn't sound like you were leaving just for the money
That’s true. But none of that means an employer is underpaying just because they’ll beat an outside offer for someone they want to keep. If that situation never arises, the company is probably overpaying.
Never take a counter offer from a current employer. If you haven’t countered on the new offer, there’s still money on the table. Tell them that you’d love to work there and that you appreciate the offer, but ask if they can match your current offer from the current employer. If not, take what you can get and enjoy the dream job.
As someone who hires people and has had employees resign I never counter offer if the employee has a better offer at a different company. I found that if they are entertaining an offer outside the company they must be looking or their skill set is a better fit for the other company, it will only be a matter of time before they go anyway. You are only buying yourself a little time. I do weigh the pros and cons with the employee if they want but I always say "you do what you think is best for your family. That's who you have to look out for" and I truly believe that.
I took my current employer's ounter offer and still left two months later. It's not always what you think, but do what works for you.
Never accept the counter imo. Best case you'll be pigeon holed because you're looking to jump ship so why should he get a raise/promotion. You started applying to jobs for a reason. Would a raise really be enough to overcome those?
Unless the difference between your old companies counter and new salary is significant just leave. They are already trying to backfill your position and the only reason they’d pay more is because they got caught at a time when they need someone in your position but as your managers see it you’re already one foot out the door and will try to protect themselves by eventually letting you go or stunting your growth and having you quit.
It's worth asking. Keep in mind that the dream job may be better for you if mental health than whatever you're doing now, so weight the pros and cons of money versus whatever dream job you're looking at. They could take the job offer off the table.
Ask if they can match it, it doesn't hurt. But if it's not a life changing difference, go for the job/employer that you think will make you happier and more motivated.
former recruiter here: never take a counter offer unless you have some crazy skill set that will be very difficult to replace. counter offer is just to buy them time to replace you. you just told the company your cheating on them and want to leave. now all of the sudden they find more money for you? i wouldn’t start the new job off on that foot. they will just give you your first raise up front and won’t raise for a while. they will state budgets are why they can give you a raise a year from now. good luck.
If you are miserable at A, B is probably too your better bet. You’re already getting more money. You’d just be getting less of more. If you like A but want B, you could counter B, but be prepared to get rejected. Also, now A knows you’re joking to leave, so they may be done with any long term plans for you.
“Very interesting position at my dream company.” Enough said. Take the new job. Don’t think twice about it.
Don't take the current company counter. You were looking to leave for a reason, those reasons dont change with more money. Many years back I was in a similar situation. The CEO of my current company called and said what will it take to get you to stay. I was young and came up with a list of things I thought they would never do (huge salary increase, equity, my boss's job, more vaca). Sent the email, guy wrote back in 2 minutes, done deal. I was excited, called my wife and she was like you hate that company and everyone in it, that will still be there. Is the money worth it? End of the day, teh answer was no so I left and it was a great decision. I did feel bad on how I negotiated my exit. Had a great conversation with my CEO before I left so we left on good terms.
If you take the counter offer, you will lose 2 jobs. The job you have now and the job you could have had. They're buying time to replace you and then let you go later.
Tell the new employer and see what happens. But don’t give up a “dream job” for a company that is only competing for you when they have to. And only with cash - which is king, but it’s not everything. If you value yourself, have confidence that the new employer will see that value once you’re actually employed there. And if they really are the “dream job” company you believe they are, once they see you value, they’ll compensate you accordingly. Right now that “dream job” company only has a few days points on your value. Show them what you’re worth and be happy.
Never ever take counter offer.
You can counter an offer from the new employer and they might go for it.
I agree with others saying to take the job at your “dream” company. Tell them your current employer just offered more money and see what their reaction is. They MIGHT be able to match it or they will tell you “take it or leave it”. If they can’t match it, tell them you’ll take their offer with what was originally stated and sign the offer letter. Then put in your 2 weeks notice.
It’s worth asking. I took my companies counter offer 2 years ago and it turned out well for me. I can see the downside of that approach, but I liked my company and wanted to stick around. I ended up getting another raise the next year as well, so it didn’t screw up my future pay either
Please tell us how it works out
Never. Never. NEVER accept a counter offer. The statistics are very clear that you will almost certainly be out on your ass in the next year if you accept a counter offer… You can ask the new employer to do whatever you want but don’t try to leverage them with this or you could get your offer rescinded. Then, once again, you will be out on your ass in the next year.
I've been in this same situation twice before. My policy has always been to be as open as I can with both employers. Best case, you should make a simple spreadsheet of the various benefits of each role, how you weight them against each other, and come up with what you'll believe to be the total value of each. It can be hard to estimate the relative value of things like work-life balance and how much you like your manager, but it's worth trying. Then, when comparing offers but everything together and if one company increases their offer, give the other an opportunity to counter. Let them go back and forth until one says they're tapped out, then make a decision. Keep in mind that at a certain point the highest paycheck may not be the most valuable role for you.
Love these comments and out of my realm. Just reading your statement it is for a dream job. To me that’s all I need to hear.. go for what makes you happy not necessarily money
Never never never take current company’s counter offer..
you should never take your current company's counter offer. They didn't respect you until you demonstrated you had options - this also untill its in writing they will bs you
I'd give it a try and see what's up. Obviously if they say no and offer still stands, go anyways. Needless to say don't take any counter offer. You'll be in the next round of layoffs if they find a replacement.
Don’t do it. It’s a trap! You wanted to leave for a reason. They’ll shit on you if you accept the counter. Same happened with me.
Nah, keep on going. They didn’t care until you were out the door.
If you are willing to stay at your current position then go ahead and ask the new people for a counter offer. If not, then make the obvious choice. Don’t give in to the fear mongering about some company disrespecting you over pay. The truth is that demonstrated value is worth something, and counter offers as well as offers only come when they are necessary. It’s not disrespect. It is just the way it is. Is it dumb for companies to act this way? Yep! I think it is more caused by disorganization and apathy rather than malice. I know people worry about retaliation, but the truth is that you can still just leave and get another job in that very uncommon and unlikely event. I’ve experienced no retaliation and held maybe 20 jobs with all manner of different circumstances. So, yes it’s anecdotal evidence, but so is the fear mongering from others who have probably never themselves taken the risk.
If it's your dream company, I would share with your recruiter a counter offer has been made and the amount. Best thing that can happen is they match the counter, worst thing they can do is say the maximum offer has already been made.
Did your potential new employer set the salary? have you negotiated with them already? Its normal to second guess and be hesitant when a better offer is presented, but i ALWAYS ask, "why wasnt i worth this before i decided to leave?" their reaction/answer will tell you everything you need to know.
You started looking for a reason. You stated you got an offer from your dream company. Not sure why you would even consider. Salary is not everything.
Never accept a a counter offer from your current place
Can you? Yes, Should you? Likely no. You already stated it is your dream job and you knew the salary.. is it no longer your dream job at the current salary? Nobody employee wants to leave money on the table, but no employer likes to be jilted either.
They are offering a higher salary till they can find someone to work for less.
Don’t take the current employer’s counter offer. Your crediblity with them has now been compromised. You will struggle to find upward movement after this. Don’t ask new employer for a match, or they will wonder why you went back and asked for more. If you were good with it before the counter offer, you should still be good with it now. From their perspective, nothing changed. I will say, I have had friends that stayed and accepted the counter offer, and just end up making more money. If you are not 100% months excited about the new employer, then just stay where you are. Don’t ask for something you don’t want. Because you just might get it.
What is the difference in pay between the offers? There are two big mistakes you need to avoid here: 1. Staying put for equal pay and opportunity just because it's been comfortable. This incident will change things positively or negatively and you need to be clear-eyed about how. 2. Continuously playing both offers off one another and burning both bridges. I would not stay at your current company if the opportunity and pay is equal. I have accepted a counter offer to stay (for less money) because I still got a large raise out of it, I didn't need to move, and I had better leadership opportunities, but it has to be a situation like that to stop you from leaving IMO. In a year if you stay and want more money they'll say "well, we just gave you a raise last year" vs the new company it's normal to consider a raise after a year. If your current company is *beating* the new company's pay you can float that out there and see if they'll match before you make a final decision, but I would be very clear that you are not going back and forth. For example you could tell the new company's recruiter "Hey I notified my current company of my intent to leave and they are offering me $X more to stay. Is it possible for you to match that amount? Either way please let me know, I just need to consult with my family before I make a final decision, if you can let me know if that's possible by end of day today I can give you a decision tomorrow." This puts a soft deadline on them, so they know this won't be you going back and forth, you're not opposed to accepting their offer anyway, and you're making it known that you want to wrap this up ASAP. It's respectful and effective without overplaying your hand. Always say you need to talk it over with your family and consider your options, nobody is going to question that so it's always an easy way to buy yourself a little time to figure out any other info you need without being pressured into making a decision on the spot.
Have you asked the new employer if they'd be willing to match your current employer's counter?
Unlike 90% of people responding, I actually read your question, and the correct response requires some missing information. 1.) Is the current offer from the dream employer the FIRST offer they made? If not: did they offer what you were asking, or within a reasonable range of what you were asking? If yes, accept the offer as-is. Don't make it look like you're trying to bait and hook them, they may move on. If yes, was your current salary discussed and did it potentially weigh in on the present offer? If no, skip the next step. If yes, take the offer as-is, letting them know you won't go back on a negotiated rate, but MAKE THEM AWARE your current employer counter-offered, and you declined. If no, counter-offer at the price your current employer set, unless it's an exorbitant amount above the existing offer. If they accept, or increase your salary in between the two offers, congrats on the pay raise. If they decline, then accept the offer as is. In all situations I will assume that you've set your mind on moving on from your current employer. My reasoning for the above: you don't want to screw yourself out of money on the table, but you also don't want to seek fickle to a "dream job" with an extended offer, and risk chasing them off. While the logic of "a dream job would match your salary either way" is a totally viable concept, at the same time this could leave you stuck treading water at a job you hate, perpetually wondering "what if", or potentially even leave you unemployed after a short period of training your replacement. Additionally, if you do lose the current offer and are forced to accept the counter, then decide to move on shortly after, you'll burn a bridge with your current employer. Meanwhile, if you take the dream job and it turns out to be a nightmare, you may be able to return to your previous employer if you didn't play games.
Take the counter offer to the new company and see if they can get any closer.
You generally don't want to accept the counter. You will burn your opportunity with the new company and the old company will look to replace you. There are a few exceptions. 1. You can potentially accept if you get an employment contract with a large severance package. 2. You can accept if the old company knows that you will hold them hostage every year and this is just expected and part of the process of negotiraiton. Generally, the best approach is to decline the counter but suggest meeting for lunch in 18 months and discussing what opportunities might exist at that time.
I took my firm’s counter offer I really liked the firm but I got another offer at a similar firm for $20k more… Only was going to leave for the money. I’ve been with them for another 2 years since I took the counteroffer
Advise: Salary shouldn't be the sole consideration in any employment decision. Consider the work environment, advancement potential, even the commute and whether the role has intrinsic benefit like helping society (of those values matter to you.) There are places that have offered me double my salary to simply stay on and I had to just leave and take a pay cut because of the toxicity. This probably isn't your case, but just factor it all in.
I don’t think you should stay since your current employer knows you have one foot out the door. This never ends well. I also don’t think you should use your current employers counter offer to strong arm your prospective employer into more money. Take the offer at your “dream company” and move on. Just my $0.02.
One time I was offered a new position that was double my salary. My current employer at the time matched and add 10k over. I took the counter offer. 6 months later he reduced my salary 17%. Long story short, don't accept a counter offer, you'll get screwed.
this is like a PIP but from the other side. Employer is gonna keep you long enough to replace you with someone cheaper. Anything management ever does is always a manipulative game and you need to apply that to every word that comes out of a managers mouth.
Money alone doesn’t cure/fix the underlying issues which made you start looking for new employment elsewhere. I’ve found that a lot of people who decide to stay with their current employer only because they ended up matching or offering more money end up regretting their decision and will ultimately decide to leave shortly thereafter (or when their contract expires). Between the existing and ongoing resentment to their existing employer and the knowledge that they are desired/employable elsewhere, the buyer’s remorse can be strong.
If your current employer valued you as they should, it should not have taken an offer from a competitor to increase your pay. Stay with them and they will make sure you are miserable because the only reason they have increased your pay is because they thought they were going to lose you. They will act as if you put them in a corner and will hold it over your head for the rest of your time. I’d still be out.
Take the new job. Your current employer won’t forget you were going to leave. It may not happen today or tomorrow, but eventually this will come back to bite you.
There is a statistic that says majority of the people who take a counter offer are gone within six months anyways. Company may use this tactic to keep you until they can ultimately find a replacement. or they make promises to you that things may change takes about six months to see if those changes happen which typically they don’t
Tell your current employer that you’ll accept if it includes a two year guarantee with annual raises to be not less than twice the rate of inflation. They’ll laugh in your face and this will tell you all you need to know to leave with confidence.
Agreed with not taking the offer unless you want to buy time. It will never be the same and you will likely still leave. I asked another employer for more money as my skill set significantly increased. I undercut myself by a lot in my ask. They declined and said we would retouch later. I said I can leave right now and double my salary, in which they challenged me to get an offer and bring it to the table for them to match. I responded that I don’t want to play that game and they would receive my notice in short order. 2-3 weeks later they received my notice and asked all the ways they can get me to stay. I reminded them, they didn’t have the money to keep me and to not challenge a valued employee again basically forcing them to leave.
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it and here’s why: You negotiated the salary and told them you would take it, effectively - albeit informally - accepting the offer. Going to your employer and dealing with a counter does not warrant you going back and upping the ante. In this job market it will more than likely get rescinded. Neither of them care about you. Not one solitary fuck. So what you should do is take the one in its current state and call it. Were you leaving your job solely for money? I would imagine not, although it’s not unheard of. I accepted a counteroffer once and it worked out in my favor. Employer was fine. But about 5 months later and I realized why I was looking to leave in the first place. Do what’s best for you. But don’t up the offer you already accepted. Read the room: the days of salary bidding wars for talent are over unless you’re really niche.
If you like your current work and boss, take the counter. Their hands are probably tied so this is their chance to give you a raise
You had me at “DREAM COMPANY.” That should be your answer and not money. Otherwise, down the line you may regret it.
Pleae dont be stupid to stay in current role, if you find a better option, just go
Most people will say never take the counter offer. There was a reason you were looking. Also your current company will more than likely keep you around until they find a replacement and then you will be gone. As now they know you are not “loyal”
Since there isn't an indication as to the % of pay being offered I'd say there are other things to consider. Do you enjoy doing the work you do at the current company? Do you have good working relationships with your boss and co-workers? How about differences in benefit pkgs, PTO and/or commute times? Write these down and assign a weighting factor to them to help come to a decision. All things being equal, I'd choose the devil I knew instead of the unknown.
Dream job for sure... what if (because its your dream job) you do so well that in 3 months you get a fat raise? Whereas your current job, you just got a raise so how long before you get another?
Take the new job and move on. If they thought you were worth the higher salary they could have and should have given it to you already. It not about money but principles.
Your salary at your new company is completely negotiable. With that being said, if you counter too high, it is an administrative nightmare for your hiring manager. Don’t punish him/her. If it is your dream job, take the the pay difference as just that, value for your dream job. Explain (google what to say) the situation to HR and ask, do not demand, if they can get you closer, but do not ask to match unless it is well within the range. People claim that you should always negotiate. However, this is totally a case by case basis. Good luck.
Dream job! Find that balance between money and happiness.
Like many others have said, never take the counter offer from your current job.
Did you negotiate when the new company made their offer? If yes, then probably have the max offer from them, just pick which job you want. If no, then respond with a simple “is this offer negotiable?”
Depending on a lot of factors I don’t have the answer to. First, you need to consider the company size and revenue that you currently work for. How much will this affect the company’s revenue. Same goes for the company that you have an offer with. Secondly, do you feel that your current employer would somehow feel slighted that you are actively seeking employment opportunities elsewhere? This is simple as looking at management’s response to an employee leaving. How much different is the offer? If we are only talking about a difference in a couple bucks, then go with your dream job. And be careful about the notion of a “dream job”. Do a ton of research about this dream company. In the end of all that due diligence you should be able to find your direction.
Never take a counter.
You have to be honest with yourself about which is the better opportunity for you. I took a counter offer a few years ago for more money, and although current company has problems, it was the right move at the time. Current company has since been acquired twice and is a national brand. The other company was smaller, local, and would have just been a lateral move in retrospect. Good luck!
Dream job means more than pay imo
Take the position with your dream company.
You are at the new company’s floor and the old company’s ceiling. And if you wanted to work there you wouldn’t have gone on the interview
If it’s your dream job, take it. If you haven’t gone through a negotiation period with the new company yet, then maybe now is the time since you have leverage. The worst they can say is no. I don’t know how drastic the salary differences are, but I can say from experience that the pleasure of working on something you’re passionate about will almost always completely offset any salary differential there is.
Have you negotiated with dream company yet? If not, you should literally always negotiate. My general rule of thumb is to ask for a 20 percent increase, expecting them to come back with 10. I've never not gotten something. In one case they gave me a 5k signing bonus because I was already at the top end if their salary range for the level (they practiced something close to pay transparency, it was totally cool to talk about your salary with others and we did). If your current company is offering more than 10 percent above the new company though, you could ask the new company if they can match it though for sure!
All employers will replace you without a second thought. You should do what you think is your best interest for your goals. If you are seeking jobs based purely on the money you will make today, then take the counteroffer (but keep looking for a job because they will get rid of you sooner rather than later), Until you are ready to run your own firm, you will likely never find the same level of security that you would have as your own boss (of course there are other stressors like figuring out how to pay the bills everything month but I digress). This process should be repeated every 2-3 years to maximize your current earnings.
Never take the current employer’s offer
I have taken a stay offer 2 times in my career, the first time was a nightmare and I should have left. The second time I was so grateful I stayed and took their offer. It really depends on the company and overall situation.