Absolutely this. I worked hard for 5 years. I was a trusted member of my company. I spoke with IBM sales as a tech peer. I was dramatically underpaid. I asked f

Absolutely this. I worked hard for 5 years. I was a trusted member of my company. I spoke with IBM sales as a tech peer. I was dramatically underpaid. I asked for a raise, to which I was told the market couldn't bear me. I was pushed into a project that had me crying to and from work. The stress was immense, but I thought I had little choice since my health insurance and house hold income provided everything for my family. I shopped around for a new job. I found one that would work, but didn't have health coverage for 90 days. At this point I had an offer in hand. I told my management, at the time, unless I got another 20k a year, I'm walking to the other job. I got the raise. Leverage is not bad. The company that you work for is probably only marginally committed to your well-being. They are totally committed to their margins. If you like your organization, but need more, leverage is your friend.