Contents
- 1. Nothing really changes except your salary
- 2. Your future employer identifies potential in you that your current employer does not see
- 3. You have been underpaid all this time
- 4. You may be seen as untrustworthy and with a “lack of loyalty”
- 5. Your employer may question your integrity knowing that a higher salary is “all you are aiming for”
- 6. Counteroffers are a tactic to give your employer time to find your replacement for a lower salary
- 7. Great things come as you step out of your comfort zone
- 8. A good company would not make a counteroffer
You have been reached out by a company that aligns better with your career aspirations offering you a spot in their team. As a result, you go to your boss and hand them your resignation.
To your surprise, they come up with a counteroffer. At first sight, it looks very flattering, as if you had just become a more valuable employee.
However, is it a wise choice to accept the counteroffer?
Is this what you are really looking for?
Whatever the reason is for attempting to leave and seek another opportunity, there are some underlying issues that you might have tried to solve during your time working at your current job.
However, some things are out of your control. So, the key question to ask is, “will a counteroffer solve these problems?” Most likely no.
In the next few minutes, we are going to look at 8 reasons why you should never accept a counteroffer:
1. Nothing really changes except your salary
Those factors that incentivized you to seek a change and listen to other offers will not disappear overnight with a counteroffer. You might be getting a higher paycheck but your reasons for leaving will remain the same – people and things do not change instantaneously. A counteroffer is only a short-term solution to those problems. Even if something very attractive as a promotion or involvement in multiple projects is promised, in the long-term you will end up feeling the same way about your employer and your job.
2. Your future employer identifies potential in you that your current employer does not see
Your future employer sees something in you because hiring a new employee is highly risky for both, the company and you.
If your future employer wants to take that risk and grow your potential, then why not grab the opportunity?
3. You have been underpaid all this time
If your employer counteroffers you with a higher salary when you resign, then they are knowingly paying you less than what your performance, results, and talent is worth.
Ask yourself, does your employer really care about you and value your work? Well, it has taken them your resignation to truly demonstrate their appreciation for your effort and dedication over the time you have worked with them.
4. You may be seen as untrustworthy and with a “lack of loyalty”
If you accept the counteroffer, your coworkers and managers will see you as disloyal and untrustworthy as you were readily willing to change your jobs. Now, they may question if they can count on you, limiting even further your opportunities for growth inside the company.
5. Your employer may question your integrity knowing that a higher salary is “all you are aiming for”
By accepting the offer, you might feel like you have been “bought” rather than rewarded for your performance and results. Your employer will think this is what you are truly looking for instead of a challenge or advancement in your professional development. You will most likely end up dissatisfied with your work, and will eventually lead to a lesser sense of belonging.
6. Counteroffers are a tactic to give your employer time to find your replacement for a lower salary
For your current company, preselecting, interviewing, onboarding, and training a new employee translates to a business expense when you resign. This is why it is cost-effective to strategically retain their existing employees rather than deal with the process of finding a replacement. If you think this is the main reason to give you a counteroffer, then this should be an immediate red flag.
In addition, a counteroffer gives them more time to open a new place for your replacement who requires a lower salary, leaving you without a job in the near future.
7. Great things come as you step out of your comfort zone
You may feel comfortable and familiar with your current job, but does it really bring you the satisfaction and accomplishment you are longing for?
A change and a new challenge can bring growth and satisfaction, especially if the new job is related to a greater extent to what you are interested in.
8. A good company would not make a counteroffer
A good employer truly believes that they are treating and compensating their employees fairly and will support your future opportunities and respect your decisions, especially if that means that you are advancing in your career.
A counteroffer can be flattering and intriguing, but take a moment to assess the risks that accepting it can bring… risks are higher than the rewards!
Instead, challenge yourself and follow through with your plan and join the new company. Do make sure you leave your current company on good terms, leaving the door open for future connections and opportunities.
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