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Comment by joeclark77 | Hacker News Reader

If you have other offers (real offers, not just bluster from headhunters), you can leverage those in your request for a raise. If he thinks you're going to stay around, he has no reason to offer you a serious raise. Show him that you are able and willing to leave, and he'll have to decide if he wants to make a counter-offer to keep you.

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Agreed. You are way more likely to get that raise if you show intent to leave by having an offer on hand. You can play the "I want to stay, but I have this great offer..." card and see if he bites.

You'll get that raise using this technique. You will then be fired the moment the boss can quietly find a replacement for you. And don't think he won't be looking.

Seriously, don't do this. Get the new position with a better salary and don't look back. Counteroffers never pan out for the employees, only management benefits.

I received a job offer and was truly considering leaving my position. I received a good counteroffer that included increased vacation time and addressed some of the reasons why I wanted to leave the position to begin with. I was there for another 2 years before leaving on my own.

If his employer is going to look for another person to fill the position then this is not the right place to work and there was no point in staying. I don't think he loses either way, but that was just my experience.

I think it's always best to be sincere. If you aren't really considering leaving, don't pretend you are. But if you have an offer and are considering it, don't be afraid to tell your boss so.

This is good advice, thank you.

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