I really want to stay at my job, but I got a better offer? HELP PLEASE?

Well I would say if it is for a totally different position with a new company then go for it. If it is for the same position just with another firm but for more money then stay at your current job. The way I look at it is, you already have a relationship with that company along with equity and to top it off there giving you more money in a few weeks.

If your other employment offer is firm, that is, you have it in writing, go to your supervisor and tell him or her essentially what you have said here.

You have been offered more money, but you like working for this company and would like to stay. Ask if they can come close to the other offer. (Don't say you'll stay for 10%, they might offer you 12-15%.) If they do make an offer, then decide which is more important to you, staying where you are comfortable or stretching with a new job. Tell your supervisor that you are sorry to put them on the spot, but you have a deadline to give the other company an answer. And again, while you would much prefer to stay with your current company, certainly they could understand what a good opportunity this offer represents.

If the other job offer is not in writing or won't wait two weeks, that's another story. I think you could legitimately say to the other company, "I need to give two weeks notice," a courtesy they should understand and expect once you come to work for them. But if you waited just to see what your raise was going to be and then didn't go to work for the new company, you've burned that bridge.

Everybody wants more money. You've got to decide what's more important to you professionally. Given what you've said about your current company, it could be 4 to 7 years before you could earn this much money where you are, dramatically affecting your lifetime earning potential.

HR may indeed be telling the truth that there is a raise forthcoming. Still I find the 10 pct suspicious, it is out of the norm and may reflect that you are UNDERPAID and they are trying to do a little catch up.

If you haven't turned in your notice, do so and indicate that it was merely because of money while hinting that you would really LOVE to stay it the salary were equal. This worked for me once and I went from 18K to 25K to match the competition.

The other thing to be aware of is that you have the jitters, a new job means new people, new methods, new rules and new weirdos. This can make anyone uncertain.

Lastly comfort level: Sometimes staying put for comfort has its own merit. Working in a place you like with people you like is a gift. Sometimes peace of mind is worth more than the price tag that comes with and new and (bad) job

I don't know what you do for work, but the cost associated with recruiting training and retaining a new person to do your role is generally higher than what you might ask them for. I would go and talk with a manager when you put in your 2 week notice and see if they will match it. Explain the situation and be very diplomatic. *EXPLAIN that it is NOT that you are unhappy but you are fiscally challeneged.

Chances are they don't want to go through the effort of hiring some one new.

It's hard to leave your comfort zone but sometimes you just need to fly the coup! It sounds like your current boss is trying to hold you with false expectations. Other than your comfort level at this job what is holding you there?

My suggestion is that you put all emotional stuff aside and look at the clear facts. It is likely time to move on.

i feel your pain, you said you need the money , if so go for it . sounds like you already know it's more than your current job. i guess it all depends on what your willing to give up. it is very important to be happy at work too. i went through the same thing, i gave up my dream job for more money but five years later i went back to my dream job(that still pays less). so sometimes money isn't everything. good luck!

Do what makes you happy! Is it cutting hair, it is working with dogs, is it working with kids? Whatever it is go where your heart takes you.

And be happy today!