Updated September 2026: in 2022, after more than ten years in IT and a few at an MNC, I listed what was bothering me: a manager without management skills who did not protect the team, and news of peers getting large packages by switching while my own growth stalled. I have rewritten it into a way to assess whether to stay or move.
The 2022 job market was loud with stories of people with less experience receiving large offers, and of counter-offers for those who resigned. Set against that, my own situation looked poor: a manager who complicated simple work with unnecessary tasks, did not handle busy periods or escalations, and did not protect his team. The comparison was affecting my peace of mind.
How reliable are stories of big switch packages?
Partly. 2021 and 2022 were an unusually hot market for IT hiring in India, and many people did get large increases by switching. Markets cool, though, and headline stories rarely mention the roles that paid less or the people who did not get offers. Use real offers and salary data, not social media, to judge your position.
How do you assess your current job honestly?
- Pay: compare with market ranges for your role, experience and city.
- Growth: are you learning skills the market values?
- Manager: is the problem likely to change, through a move or reorganisation?
- Stability and benefits: insurance, leave and security that a new job might not match.
Can you fix a bad manager without leaving?
Sometimes. An internal transfer to another team keeps your tenure and benefits while removing the main problem. Speak to HR or a trusted senior person about openings. If internal moves are blocked or slow, that becomes a reason to look outside.
Should you use an outside offer to negotiate?
Only if you would genuinely accept the offer. Counter-offers can work, but they can also mark you as a flight risk. If your main complaint is your manager, more money will not fix it.
How do you protect your wellbeing meanwhile?
Limit how much time you spend comparing yourself with others' posts, set boundaries on working hours, and talk to someone you trust. If stress is affecting your health, consider speaking to a doctor or counsellor.
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