Most working professionals casually check job boards from time to time. It's reasonable to want to know our market value and whether we're being paid our worth – or even whether there are other jobs that would be a better fit for us.
However, once you've switched from passive job hunting to active job hunting and have accepted a new position, you're likely to have some solid reasons to quit your current workplace.
After the initial elation subsides and you're ready to hand in your notice, it's critical to consider how you'll respond if your present employer counters your offer. You should expect your current employer to try to persuade you to stay if you're good at what you do and essential to the company's operations.
Why Employers Counteroffer
Because as soon as you give in your notice, your (soon to be former) boss's mind starts racing with concerns about who will perform your work, how your loss will influence morale, and so on.
While a counteroffer is flattering (who doesn't like to feel valued?) and those considerations are essential to your boss, they don't change the reasons why you were open to making a shift in the first place or why it makes sense for your own situation.
So, before you accept that golden handshake you should bear in mind that all too often accepting a counteroffer will backfire, potentially damaging your career and reputation. Here are our top reasons never to accept a counteroffer.
It shouldn't take threatening to leave to be paid what you're worth. It's always wonderful to get a raise, but if it arrives in the form of a counteroffer, it's possible you've been underpaid all along. Why hasn't your manager offered you a raise sooner if he or she has the financial means to do so? You should always feel like you're getting paid fairly because your employer recognises your contributions, not because they're desperate.
A counteroffer is unlikely to make a significant difference to your current conditions. Even with a counteroffer that significantly increases your salary, it won't change the other factors that forced you to pursue other opportunities. More money won't alleviate tensions caused by a lack of professional growth opportunities, toxic company culture, a lack of flexible working arrangements, or a combination of these and other issues.
Loss of trust for both parties. Even if you and your boss get along well, the process of resigning and then accepting a counteroffer might erode any trust you've developed. Your boss may become concerned by the fact that you've been dissatisfied and haven't said anything, or that you could be easily tempted away again for the right money.
They might also see you differently now that they know you've backed out of another commitment. They may begin to doubt your loyalty and wonder when you will decide to leave again, whether it is fair or not. For you, the counteroffer may imply that your manager does not value your contributions fully.
A salary increase now may mean missing out on one later. When a raise is offered as a counteroffer, it's possible that your manager is simply expediting an increase you're already due. The increase you receive because of a counteroffer may result in a salary that remain fixed for the foreseeable future. Instead of being seduced by the number, consider what your future with the organisation will entail.
Accepting a counteroffer may stall your career. Lack of career progression opportunities is one of the most main motivations for leaving a job. That cannot be changed by a counteroffer. Even if this wasn't one of your main grievances, your present company will be less likely to invest in your career if you've indicated that you're ready to go. You may be passed over for promotions in favour of co-workers who have proven to be trustworthy and loyal to your employer.
Your prospective boss is excited to have you on board. If you accept a counteroffer, you must notify your potential employer that you will no longer be joining their team. If they've made you an offer, it indicates they've gone through their hiring procedure and chosen you out of all the contenders for the job. They're excited to have you on board and think you'll be a fantastic fit. If you decline their offer, you are likely to burn a bridge and jeopardise your future career opportunities with them if or more likely when you decide to quit your current employer.
If you weigh up all the above risks and still believe accepting a counteroffer is the best option for you, proceed with caution. Make sure any promises or conditions are written down and negotiated properly.
How can we help?
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