small or tiny companies don't adhere to these dynamics (mainly because it's impossible to over-hire in the first place), but of course generally nobody "establi

small or tiny companies don't adhere to these dynamics (mainly because it's impossible to over-hire in the first place), but of course generally nobody "established" wants to work for a no-name company if it isn't some well funded startup. they're happy to interview and get an offer and use it as leverage against a bigger company, though. you also hear this from customers, but of course generally nobody wants to be a customer of a smaller unknown company either. same thing - they're happy to get a quote and use it as leverage against a big competitor. as long as you want that upside of security or a big paycheck or prestige or "never got fired for choosing" or whatever imaginary thing you've convinced yourself of, you're also going to get a corresponding downside when the going gets tough. live by the sword, die by the sword. if you're unhappy about the dynamics of big companies, maybe consider a change.