[masraum]

I'm not big on counter offers for several reasons. I'd always be worried that the current company may feel, "we're paying him more now, we expect more out of him." If I'm already working hard, and feel that I'm not making industry standard compensation, I'm not sure why they'd expect more.

I usually don't give my notice until I have an offer letter from the new employer. Also, usually at that point they've at least gotten a verbal acceptance of the offer from me. So yes, I'd have to go back on my word to stay.

I'd always be worried that if the existing company wanted to shore-up the bottom line, because I was making more, I would be the first cut.

Yeah, I'm not big on counter offers.