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Reasons why you should not accept a counter offer
Nothing Changes
Except your salary. The underlying issues that prompted you to consider other job opportunities will remain the same – company culture, structure, people, etc. do not change overnight.
The Future is bright
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?
Embrace Chance
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.
You have been underpaid
You have not been paid what you are worth. 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.
££££
Are you bringing forward your bonus/promotion/pay rise now rather than when it is 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?
Trust and Loyalty
Trust will 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. 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.
You will eventually leave
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”. Counteroffers are usually just a stalling tactic to give your employer time to find your replacement at a lower salary.
You are now in question
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 and may affect your potential opportunities in the future to progress within the business.
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 is a small industry; you never know when you will cross paths again.
