Switching jobs for a bigger salary often seems like an easy decision, especially when the offer comes from a global company with remote work and a significant pay hike. But what happens when your current employer steps in with a counteroffer and compelling reasons to stay? A recent story shared on social media has sparked exactly that discussion, leaving professionals divided over whether a higher salary always makes for the better career move.

Rutuja, who goes by the name Rutu on X, recently shared the story of one of her friends working at an MNC. According to her, he was earning a package of Rs 15 LPA when he decided to explore new opportunities. After successfully clearing eight interview rounds, he landed an offer from a US-based unicorn company. The role came with a salary of Rs 22 LPA and the added advantage of being completely remote.

Resignation and counter offer

Naturally, he was thrilled. Rutu shared that he was all set to submit his resignation and move to the new company. However, things took an unexpected turn. Once his current employer learned about the offer, the company decided it did not want to lose him. According to Rutu, his managers and leadership appreciated the work and dedication he had shown over the past two years and responded with a counteroffer of Rs 20 LPA to retain him.


The decision was no longer just about salary. His existing office was only 10 minutes away from his home in Pune, making the daily commute effortless. He also enjoyed good career growth within the company and had built strong relationships with his team and leadership.

Rs 20 LPA or Rs 22 LPA?

After weighing all these factors, he chose to stay with his current employer instead of accepting the higher-paying remote role.

Sharing the story, Rutu wrote, "One of my friends is working in an MNC." She explained how he had "cracked 8 interview rounds" for a US-based unicorn offering Rs 22 LPA, but ultimately stayed after his employer raised his salary to Rs 20 LPA. She ended her post by asking a question that quickly resonated with professionals online: "Did he make the right decision?"

Internet reacts

The post quickly sparked a debate, with many users sharing different views on the techie's decision. One user felt he "made the right decision for his current life stage," pointing out that earning Rs 20 LPA in Pune with a 10-minute commute, supportive managers and good career growth offered stability. The commenter also argued that while the Rs 22 LPA remote role looked attractive, US-based remote jobs can bring added pressure, time-zone challenges and lower job security, adding that "peace of mind" often outweighs a small salary increase.


Not everyone agreed. One commenter criticised the current employer, saying the company only recognised his value after he decided to leave. According to the user, this showed management had knowingly underpaid a valuable employee, concluding that he "should have moved on." Another user supported the decision to stay, saying the Rs 2 lakh salary difference was relatively small compared to the benefits of working where he was valued. They added that feeling important within an organisation could also reduce the risk of layoffs.

Meanwhile, another commenter believed accepting the remote offer would have been the better choice. Calling the current company his "comfort place," the user argued that stepping outside one's comfort zone is often where "magic happens."