It isn't the worst dilemma in the world but it is still tough. I never thought I would be in this kind of situation ever in my life. One part of me feels good about it and another is stressed to the max. It is of my own doing though. I'm thinking now I could have handled things differently six months ago and I wouldn't be in the predicament.

Here is the scenario:

• I am employed by Company A. Company A contracted me out to Company B.
• Company B offered me the same position for a lot more money. I accepted.
• Company A found out about it and now doesn't want to lose me as an employee.

Like I said, this isn't that bad of a position to be in. I have two companies that want me and one is willing to do whatever to keep me. This could be very beneficial. There are slight differences in being employed by the two though.

Company A is a very good company. They have been in business since 1976. They are a large company that provides IT professionals on a contract basis. They have contracts with several government agencies and the Department of Defense. The benefits package is pretty good. The medical and dental isn't too expensive but I don't have a choice of providers and the co-pay is a little high. Company A pays for any training I want. They also offer tuition assistance. They pay for work related cell phone usage on my personal cell phone. They reimburse parking fees and any other work related fees that are paid out of pocket. Also, if I get bored with my current assignment I can ask to be relocated or if I get tired of the commute I can ask for something closer to home. Also there is room to move up in the company. I could one day be a program manager or a director of IT.

Company B is a government agency. Been in business since 1878. I have a choice of medical and dental providers but the cost could end up being more or less depending on what I choose. I will be given a cell phone and a Blackberry. I get money for commuting. They also pay for training. The chances of me losing my job are pretty slim. No room to move up. I would be a sysadmin for as long as I work for them. If I want a change of scenery I would have to apply to another government agency and hope they hire me.

So from my standpoint at this moment, it comes down to money. The amount of money being discussed is a lot, more than I ever thought I would make in my lifetime. Company A hasn't come back with a counter offer and I am not sure if they will. The change in pay will cut into the profit they make off my contract considerably. I guess I have to wait and see. Company B is still doing a background check on me and I won't get an official start date until it is completed so the time for Company A to make an offer is dwindling down day by day.

Has anyone ever been in this situation before? What did you do? Any opinions are welcome at this point.