Handling Counter Offers

You have handed in your notice to leave your current position and your employer makes a “counter offer” to keep you from leaving.

Are counter offers productive?

You really need to think about whether or not to take a “counteroffer” since the enchantment of it all may be short-lived and you’ve already proven that you’re ready to leave—the following reasons explain why taking a counter offer will always cost you more in the long run.

You have now made your employer aware that you are unhappy. From this day on, your loyalty will always be in question.

When promotion time comes around, your employer will remember who was loyal and who wasn’t.

When times are tough, your employer will begin the cutbacks with you.

Accepting a counteroffer is an insult to your intelligence and a blow to your personal pride, knowing you were bought.

Where is the money from the counteroffer coming from? Is it your next raise delivered early? Most companies have strict salary guidelines, which must be followed.

Your company will immediately start looking for a new person at a cheaper price.

The same circumstances, which caused you to consider a change, will repeat themselves in the future even if you accept a counteroffer. Reports show that 84% of people who accept counteroffers move within 6 months of agreeing to stay!

Once the word gets out, the relationship that you now enjoy with your colleagues will never be the same. You will lose the personal satisfaction of peer group acceptance.

What type of company do you work for if you have to threaten to resign before they provide you with what  you are worth?

Evaluate your reasons for leaving your current position, the reasons you accepted the position, and what your career goals are. A mistake in your career could cost you time, professional growth and money.

When it comes boils down to it, you’re better off saying “no” to a counteroffer.