10 Reasons You Should Never Accept a Counteroffer

In recent years, due to the talent pool shortage, counteroffers have practically become the norm. But while a counteroffer can be tempting, take care not to fall into the trap or be blindsided to your own detriment. Career changes are tough enough as it is, and anxieties about leaving a comfortable job, friends and location and having to reprove yourself again in an unknown opportunity can cloud the best of logic. But just because the new position is a little scary doesn’t mean it’s not a positive move.

Since counteroffer gestures can create confusion and “buyer’s remorse”, you should understand what’s being cast upon you. 

Counteroffers are typically made in conjunction with some form of flattery:

·       You’re too valuable, and we need you.

·       You can’t desert the team/your friends and leave them hanging.

·       We were just about to give you a promotion/raise, and it was confidential until now.

·       What did they offer, why are you leaving, and what do you need to stay?

·       Why would you want to work for that company?

·       The “big boss” wants to meet with you before you make your final decision.

Counteroffers usually take the form of:

·       More money

·       A promotion/more responsibility

·       A modified reporting structure

·       Promises or future considerations,

·       Disparaging remarks about the new company or job

·       Guilt trips.

Of course, it’s natural to want to believe these manipulative appeals, but beware! Here are 10 reasons why you should never accept a counteroffer:

1.       Nothing changes except your salary. The underlying issues that prompted you to consider other job opportunities will remain there – things and people don’t change overnight.

2.       Your future employer sees a potential in you that your current employer does not see. Taking on a new hire is a risk, for both the employer and employee. If your future employer is willing to take the risk to groom and grow your potential and future, why not seize the opportunity?

3.       Great things never come from staying within your comfort zone. You may feel familiar and comfortable with your current employer, but does it bring you the job satisfaction that you desire? Often, a change will bring growth and transformation.

4.       You have not been paid what you are worth for. If your employer is willing to adjust your salary when you “threaten” to resign, then your employer is knowingly underpaying you for your talent and efforts, an indication of non-appreciation of their employees.

5.       Are you bringing forward your bonus/promotion/pay rise now rather than when it’s due? Most companies have strict pay scales for each level and position, so you might end up having a lower adjustment when your next pay revision or review is due. Would you be happy then?

6.       Trust likely be broken between you and your current employer. Often, resignation is seen as “lack of loyalty”, and your current employer may now question if they can count on you, which will limit your future growth.

7.       Your employer may question your convictions knowing now that you can be “bought”. People who accept a counteroffer often feel that they have been bought rather than rewarded for the work they have done. This dissatisfaction will eventually affect your sense of belonging to the company.

8.       On average, around 80% of those who accept counter offers reignite their job search within 3 months. You may genuinely still do your best for your current employer, but your employer and co-workers may treat you differently now that you have shown a “lack of loyalty”.

9.       Your “lack of loyalty” may likely put you at the top of the pile when they are looking to reduce the number of employees when times get tough.

10.    Counteroffers are usually just a stalling tactic to give your employer time to find your replacement at a lower salary.

Finally, when making your decision, look at your current job and the new position as if you were unemployed. Which opportunity holds the most real potential? Probably the new one, or you wouldn’t have started the process or accepted the offer in the first place! 

If in the end you decide to accept the counteroffer, make sure you get everything you want in writing from your current employer. It is also important to be professional and end things gracefully with your future employer and recruiter that worked with you on the new job opportunity – it’s a small industry, you never know when you will cross path again.