Tempting Offer vs. Long-Term Loyalty: What Should I Choose”

I’ve been working in a specific niche of the marketing industry and currently hold a Head of Department role at one of the top companies in this space. I’ve been with this company for quite some time—one of the founders is a good friend, and the COO happens to be my best friend.

Recently, I received an aggressive offer from one of our competitors to join them as their COO, with a salary that’s double my current CTC. The offer is both crazy and tempting, but it comes with a catch. This competitor is a younger, bootstrapped company, while my current company is well-established.

Here’s my dilemma: while the offer is fantastic, I have a deep bond with my current company and the people here. I know for sure that my current company won’t match the offer or give me a COO position. However, I’d be willing to stay if they offered me, say, a 50% hike and a VP position because the people and relationships here are equally important to me.

What would you do in my situation? Take the leap for the money and title or stay where I have strong connections?

If my company doesn’t agree with the 50% hike and VP position then I don’t think me staying would make sense!