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How to Use a Job Offer to Negotiate With Your Current Boss
It’s risky, but done carefully, it could give you much-needed clarity about whether to stay or go
Even if you peruse job listings casually or entertain only the occasional recruiter email, the fact that you’re looking at all is a sign that something in your current role could be better. Maybe you’re happy enough, but could do with better benefits, a higher salary, or maybe more responsibilities and people to manage.
Exploring all your options is often a smart move, but if your wandering eye actually leads to a job offer somewhere else, your choices are: 1) stay; 2) go; or 3) try to use this new offer to get what you want out of your current role.
The last option, though tempting, could carry unforeseen consequences. “In many cases, this [panicked negotiation] will fundamentally change your relationship,” says Alison Green, author of the Ask a Manager blog and a book by the same name. “You’re now the person who was one foot out the door, and you might be seen as more dispensable if your company needs to make cuts in the future.” There’s also the chance that your boss won’t be able to match the outside offer, and will encourage you to leave — essentially making the decision for you.
