Counter Offers - Will accepting make me a marked man?

[Dixie]

I've recently been offered a new job. Whilst i was initially happy to accept this role (still waiting on paperwork) a bit of research has started to put doubts into my mind as to it being a good move.

I'd be doing the same job as i do now, it should actually be a little easier if the description is right. The money is good and as is the location.

My current company have now countered the new offer (a 33% increase - only to market rate though). This is again making the decision harder.

Pros for staying are:

Familiarity
Senior position
the team is heading in the right direction (although who knows the future)
retaining my 15 years long service in the event of redundancy

Pros for going:

New challenge
taking myself out of my comfort zone
fresh start
close proximity to McDonalds (i jest)

Whilst i'm reasnably confident that if i were to accept the counter i wouldn't be treated any different. Although research suggest this isn't always the case.

Anyone got any advice\fist hand experiance?

Also, the new employer is a big hitter telco ( a very British one) Does anyone have any experience with them (other than them providing their boradband)?

Cheers,

[Dixie]

They have actually offered me a better position (kind of) I'll lead up the EU side if the area I'm in.

The whole process has annoyed me slightly though so my mind has pretty much been made up. On a plus note my current boss said that if I was to leave he'd have no quibbles re-employing me if the grass turned out not to be greener. I'm glad that I'll be leaving on good terms.

Still haven't had the formal paperwork from the new company mind. So it might all turn out to be a non starter.