Re: Am I missing something obvious?
Pizzaguy, you're a good example of why it never really pays to accept a counteroffer to a resignation.
I've been in the electronics business for over 30 years and in human resources for 12 years. Yes, I've made counteroffers over the years. Ya know what? That extra money we spent to keep you here now, we get back in the subsequent years. Let's say we give employees a raise once a year, I give you a fat raise to change your mind and stay, I then make you wait 15 to 18 months for your next raise while everyone else gets one in 12 to 14 months. And your raise is a little smaller than it would have been if you had not taken the counteroffer. So, in 2 or 3 years you're right back where you would have been if you had not attempted to resign.
Plus, even though employers are showing less loyalty to employees, they still expect a high degree of loyalty from the employees. By resigning you have shown that your loyalty is not quite what they thought it was, the bosses will be cautious with you because you could jump ship at any time.
My advice, sounds like it is time for you to move on. No raise in 5 years is really outrageous. Either you are not a very good employee, or you work for a less than successful employer. I'm betting on the later.
I often hire electronic technicians. Show me your resume, I'll be glad to offer you some advice.