Counteroffers: Take it or leave it?

You’ve accepted an exciting new job—then your current employer counters with a tempting offer. More money, a promotion, better benefits. Now what?

Before you let a counteroffer shake your decision, let’s break it down. The right move isn’t always the one with a bigger paycheck—it’s the one that fuels your career growth.

1. Remember Why You Started

Think back to why you were job hunting in the first place. Was it lack of growth? A toxic culture? Feeling undervalued?

Studies show that up to 80% of employees who accept a counteroffer leave within six months—and 90% are gone within a year. If you weren’t happy before, chances are, a little extra cash won’t fix the root issues.

?? Pro Tip: Write down your top three reasons for leaving. If a counteroffer doesn’t solve all of them, it’s not worth reconsidering.

2. Understand Why They're Making the Offer

Let’s be real—many counteroffers aren’t about you. They’re about your employer avoiding the cost and hassle of replacing you.

Sure, the money might feel like a win, but what happens next? Your boss might start questioning your loyalty, and you could be first in line if layoffs happen. A counteroffer isn’t always a sign they value you—it’s often just a short-term fix for them.

3. Gratitude Goes a Long Way

Turning down a counteroffer doesn’t mean burning bridges. Show appreciation and keep it professional.

? Try this: "I’m incredibly grateful for this offer and the opportunities I’ve had here. It was a tough decision, but I’m excited about my next step and believe it’s the right move for my career."

This keeps the door open for future connections while making it clear your decision is final.

4. Stay Firm & Focused on Growth

A new role offers fresh challenges, new skills, and a chance to build your career in a meaningful way. Don’t let temporary comfort hold you back from long-term success.

?? Key Thought: If you were truly valued, why did it take a resignation for them to offer you more?

Confidence is key here. Stick to your decision and remind yourself why this new opportunity excited you in the first place.

5. The Hidden Risks of Accepting a Counteroffer

Still thinking about staying? Consider this:

?? Your employer now sees you as a flight risk. Your name might be the first to come up when tough decisions—like layoffs—need to be made.

?? Your coworkers might see you differently. If they know you planned to leave, you could face tension or lack of trust from your team.

?? You might still feel stuck. If the culture, leadership, or lack of growth pushed you away, those problems aren’t going to disappear just because you got a raise.

6. Trust Yourself—You’ve Got This!

At the end of the day, only you know what’s best for your career. Trust your instincts, stick to your decision, and move forward with confidence.

Looking for a career move that truly fuels your growth? We specialize in connecting top talent with the best opportunities in electrical distribution. Let’s talk.

Counteroffers might look shiny on the surface, but they often serve as temporary band-aids rather than real solutions. Prioritize your long-term career satisfaction, and don’t be afraid to take that next big step.

Let’s keep the conversation going—have you ever received a counteroffer? How did you handle it? Drop your thoughts below! ??