>>> But if someone came to me with another offer in hand, I would be extremely unlikely to make a counter offer. At that point it is just too late. Exactly. I

>>> But if someone came to me with another offer in hand, I would be extremely unlikely to make a counter offer. At that point it is just too late. Exactly. I don't understand asking for a counter offer at all. Even if you get one, you will be tagged as someone who's looking to leave and chances are, you will be replaced pretty soon. Probably the only exception would be if you have some skills and knowledge which makes you very hard and expensive to replace, and both you and the employer know it.