[ownagefool]

Cool, but then you end up with less money overall.

The smart move is to accept the counter, then keep looking for something better with the negotiating position that you're paid $salary x 2. Better yet, push for a title to go with the salary that'll help you land an even better job.

This is assuming all else is equal. If you're moving on for better future propsects, because the company culture is stressing you out, or because of a lack of trust, it might be better moving on anyways.

But there's no guarantee the new lot is going to treat you any better either, and companies do what's best for them, so there's nothing wrong with playing the same games yourself.

[virgilp]

> Cool, but then you end up with less money overall.

Highly debatable, because in the real world you need to do multivariate optimization and most people can't (don't have the skills and/or desire) to be constantly optimizing their salary. Thus, choosing a company that is actively trying to fairly compensate existing employees tends to pay off in the long, on multiple fronts, not just immediate salary.

[ownagefool]

But you don't really know if the new co is trying to "fairly compensate" you if the old co is now offering significantly more? Did you think your salary was fair when you joined old co? You probably did.

[virgilp]

> You probably did.

But I learned that they don't care about that, didn't I? Would it not be stupid to ignore this information? I have a chance higher than 0 at the new co...