Just curious for opinions: I may have an opportunity at another local M&A place where the compensation is much better. Problem is that I have a great relationship with my MD (he's not responsible for my pay, by the way). I want to know if it would sound douchebaggish to let him know, if I took a better-paying job elsewhere, that I "tested the markets" and some firm values me a little (a lot, really) more. I even cringe at the thought of saying that, mostly because I've never left a job for higher pay before. Every time I left a job in the past, it's been for opportunity (study abroad twice, internships, etc.) purposes.
The thing is we work in M&A and when a client talks about going to the market (outside of whoever has an exclusivity period) and asks about their valuation, if they are a tough sell and they are aware of that fact, we let them know we will see what the market will bear. I feel that is very similar to my job situation, and I think he would understand that comparison best, but I can't help but feel that it sounds incredibly arrogant and douchey. Thoughts?