You have been offered a new position with a new company, but your current employer offers you a counteroffer to stay- It is not an awful position to be in, but what do you do? Let us start with why accepting a counteroffer may not be in your best interests:
- Will Not Fix Your Current Issues.
When you receive a counteroffer where the only thing that changes is an increase in pay, you may not be fully addressing what had you dissatisfied enough to look for new employment in the first place. An increase in pay will not change the way you feel about a job that you just do not enjoy, and this can be an issue months down the line when you once again find yourself looking for an exit from the crushing nature of an unenjoyable work environment.
- Your Loyalty is Now in Question.
Even if you have a good relationship with your employer, the need to counter offer your resignation now has them doubting your loyalty to the company. This not only affects your current standing but can also affect any future chance of promotions and professional growth. So even if the counteroffer is desirable, you are less likely to progress in your old position than you would in a new opportunity.
- Counteroffers Can Be a Stall Tactic
It may not be pretty, but there are times when an employer will pay you more knowing that it will be temporary. As soon as you accept the counteroffer, they are busy looking for a replacement that will accept a lower salary with a similar skill set to yours.
- You May Be Unappreciated.
A counteroffer to your resignation may be a sign that you were not appreciated enough in the first place. The offer is proof that they could have already offered you better accommodations but chose not to. If the threat of losing you is what it took for them to treat you better, is that really a place you want to stay in the long run?
- It May Be a Long Time Before You Receive Another Raise.
They have now given you a raise that they showed no signs of giving you before you handed over a resignation. The odds of them offering you another increase anytime soon is very slim. Is this a chance you want to take?
No matter your final decision, always remember to do your research and enter the situation fully armed with the knowledge of what you are worth and what you want from your career. No one knows this better than you do, and no offer should deviate you from the course that is best for your future.