I used to get $77k, which my boss increased from $64k just a couple of months before, because he was very pleased with my work (Excel VBA). Our competitor approached me and offered me $128k. I didn't know whether to tell my boss, but I did, because when in doubt I always pick honesty, and he said: "So what did you tell them?", so I said I told them I'd think about it. He said: "I would too, that's a lot of money!" He asked me what it would take for me to stay and I said: "I don't know, at least $100k?" He said I could have the $100k if I agreed to adding to my contract that we both have three months more notice (I had one before, they had four) and I agreed. That way he knew that if I decided to leave, they still had me for four months while they found a replacement and I trained him. If they decide to fire me, I get full pay for seven months. It's been a bit more than year now and I'm still with the company and very happy with how everything turned out. :)