Let’s talk about a scenario some of us have been in—having a job offer in hand and wondering,

“Should I use this to get a better salary at my current company?”

I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of this approach. Here’s why.

It Speaks Volumes About Your Employer

If your company only offers you a raise when you’re about to walk out the door, it tells you a lot about how they value you. Why did it take the threat of leaving for them to realise your worth? This is a red flag.

Trust is Fragile

When you use an external offer to negotiate a pay raise, it can strain the trust in your relationship with your employer. Sure, they might counter-offer, but the reality is, this move often buys them more time to find a replacement. You could very well be back on the job market in six months.

A Temporary Fix

There’s research that shows employees who accept counteroffers don’t usually stay much longer at the company. Why? Because the underlying issues that led you to explore other opportunities in the first place often remain unresolved. It’s a temporary band-aid, not a long-term solution.

A Better Way to Negotiate

Instead of relying on an external offer to drive the salary conversation, why not be proactive and have an open dialogue about your value?

• Regular check-ins,
• sharing your accomplishments,
• and requesting salary reviews can all be more effective (and less damaging) ways to discuss compensation.

 
If you’re feeling undervalued at work, it might be time for a bigger conversation—about your growth, your future, and whether this role is truly the right fit for you.

Ready for a Career That Values You?

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want to work towards a career that values your worth before you have one foot out the door, I’d love to help.

Let’s talk about how we can create a strategy to get you where you need to be. Book a private coaching session with me here.

Rooting for you,

Angel Kilian