If you’re reading this, you’re probably somewhere between applying for a new job and quitting your current job in order to accept an offer. Firstly, congratulations on taking the steps to further your career. Now, let’s move on to the dilemma you’re about to face: a counter offer from your current employer.
Depending on how good that counter offer is, you might feel very tempted. After all, we all fear change at times and getting more money or better benefits in a role that you’re familiar with can feel safer than taking a risk and moving elsewhere.
However, while it’s tempting to accept a counter offer, it can be a very bad idea in the long term and below are a few reasons why.
For a start, you need to remember the reasons you went looking for a new job in the first place. More than likely, these weren’t reasons that could be fixed with a slightly higher salary, so when you feel tempted it’s important to revisit those reasons and see how many would be fixed with the terms of the counter offer. Are you lacking work-life balance? Are promotion opportunities rare? Do you feel undervalued? These problems may not be solved with a better money.
On the other hand, if money or benefits were a major bugbear and they’re now arriving in the form of a counter offer, you have to ask yourself why your boss wasn’t giving you this sooner if they thought you were worth it? If the company is only willing to make this offer in a panicked attempt to keep you, it doesn’t bode well for future salary negotiations.
Once you’ve shown your hand that you’re looking to leave, staying put can leave you with a target on your back. Your previously unaware bosses may suddenly start watching your every move, wondering when you’re going to hand in your notice for good. As such, they may be less inclined to invest in upskilling you or even start thinking about your replacement.
The best way to handle a counter offer is to be prepared for it. If you’ve gone through the trouble of applying for jobs, sending out CVs, met recruiters, attended interviews and succeeded to the point of a job offer, you’re more than likely ready to move on.
Before you head into resignation talks with your current employer, take the time to mull over this new job offer, remind yourself why you want it, why you want to leave and be resolute in your decision. Going in feeling unsure about what to do will make you far more susceptible to a counter offer, and for the reasons above, this won’t be a good position to be in.
The best way to show your certainty and avoid any counter offer negotiations is to meet your manager with a well-written resignation letter. It’s also worth noting that a counter offer doesn’t have to be seen as a completely negative thing. Even if it is a case of ‘too little, too late’ not everyone is offered them, so it can feel a little flattering.
Finally, for those thinking about looking for a new job, list the reasons why and ask yourself if you’d stay put if those issues could be resolved. If the answer is yes, consider talking to your boss about these issues. The reason a counter offer may sway you is if you really do want to stay in your current job, and the only way to be sure about leaving is if you know that these issues can’t or won’t be fixed. Knowing this when you begin your job search will help you when it does get to the stage of counter offers.
If, after some negotiations and meetings with your manager, you know it is time for you to start looking, then upload your CV to RECRUITERS and let us help you find your next career move.
Feeling confused about your career? We’ve got everything you need to know about progression, new jobs and happiness in your career right here.
Signing photo by Helloquence on Unsplash
