Career Strategist

I'm looking for some advice in two areas. 1. How do you all feel about using a job offer to negotiate a higher salary in your current job and how would you do it? Make this a data conversation, competitive market conversation, not a "I've found something better". With a market analysis you show that you're savvy about research, know your worth and want it. Be prepared to talk about a timeline, and be sure you are willing to make the jump if this conversation goes poorly. As well, be prepared with the wins you have had, the results you have produced, the $ effect (if you can measure it). how what you have done has contributed to the success of the team and to your boss' success as well. I'm currently being recruited into a new company that will likely pay $35,000 more a year than what I currently make. My current boss is paying me under market, but there are reasons I might want to stay at my current job if he increases my pay. Make this 'what I like/love about my current company' part of the data conversation. Make these data points, too. It's important to keep emotion out of the conversation. Granted, this is an emotional issue. Do what you can to keep it factual, results oriented and very business-like. Practice practice practice and role play the conversation with a trusted friend who can tutor you and role play the various scenarios. 2. If I decide to quit to pursue the other job, how do I do this without feeling so guilty and bad about it? Even though I've always had an issue with my salary at my current job, my boss has given me increased responsibility and opportunities at this job. I know leaving will put him in a bad position but I know I'm not being paid my worth' This is such an issue for women. We create relationships. Lots of reasons for that, there's not enough space in this to got into the why of this. Here's the thing. Work is not a relationship. At the most basic level, it's an income generating machine. You do something that generates a benefit and you get paid for it. OK, that's it! Good luck, stay in touch. Best!