An offer you can't refuse?

So you've put in notice and now you've received a counter offer. It's time to assess the situation.

I could go into the stats about how over 50% of people that accept a counter leave within 12 months, or how people simply tend to stay with the company due to comfort, but let's not. Let's review what brought you to this moment. Why did you begin to consider other options in the first place?

The long hours?

Extra work due to staffing issues?

Promises of promotions or raises?

Need some time off, sure, but can you......

Now you've met with another company or several. You potentially have an offer in hand and everything you have been looking for is there. The moment seems to stop time and speed it up at the same time. Now you realize, "I have to put in my notice". You have one of two responses.

Option 1. I'm out!

"F You,

F You,

You're cool

and F You!"

Option 2. Dread.

The relationship you spent the last few years building now has to come to a conversation of "it's not you, it's me".

Or

You can choose to share the details of what brought you to this point, the great things you have planned in your new role, or simply give notice and leave it as it is. I am sure you have imagined just packing up and walking out over the years, but did you fully imagine coming face to face and sharing those thoughts out loud or in writing?

Now you sit and try and digest what just took place. Your boss either played it cool and said best of luck or is sitting at their desk trying to figure out WTF to do. Meanwhile, if you picked the right company, your onboarding process has begun, offer is in hand and you are beginning to transition your mindset into your new career.

Then the email or text comes, asking for a quick meeting. The team has decided to match/counter your offer if you choose to stay. The additional staffing is a problem they are trying to address, and there are promises of growth once we get past this most recent problem. You want to believe, after all you did choose to work here initially and have built relationships with your teams. Is there conditions? Why is this available now? They must really need me? What if I leave them without support? Do I have time? Do I have to answer right now?

Let's examen everything that has taken place and what your options are. While I did mention that 50% of counters end in separation within the year, that still leaves 50% that work out and provide promising careers. 2020 and 2021 provided unique career opportunities that has not been seen in years prior. 2022 is sure to bring some of its own surprises. Taking on a new job is as life changing and is right up there with marriage and/or divorce. It is a new direction in your life and could mean big change in many different ways. So much to consider.

What exactly are you hoping to find in your career? Is it about the money, the title, the company, work life balance, career growth.... what is important to you? To me, first and foremost comes lifestyle. Can the job I have sustain my way of life that I have become accustomed to or do I need to make changes outside of work as well?

Next, what was my role in the current problems at work? Did I vocalize my concerns or just sit quietly and complain? Does the team have a history of all talk and no walk or are they known for following through on their promises?

Your new role...what does this change mean? A lot of unknowns so hopefully you had time to meet the teams and managers to get a feel for how they enjoy work. Is this new opportunity solving some of the things you disliked in your current role or is it going to be similar responsibilities under a different umbrella. When you wake up in the morning, can you picture yourself driving (or not) to this new job?

Then the email or text comes, asking for a quick meeting. The team has decided to match/counter your offer if you choose to stay. The additional staffing is a problem they are trying to address, and there are promises of growth once we get past this most recent problem. You want to believe, after all you did choose to work here initially and have built relationships with your teams.

Is there conditions? Why is this available now? They must really need me? What if I leave them without support? Do I have time? Do I have to answer right now? So many what ifs. Right now you are hearing one of your parents in your ear, telling you to be careful and make good choices!

The last few years have created a tumultuous market and you just never know what is out there. Nobody could have predicted the ups and downs that have taken place and I am sure the next few years will bring its own adventures with the great resignation. Regardless the choice, let it be known that choices are out there. Conversations to be had. Opportunity is not only knocking they are mailing out flyers and posting open jobs on milk cartons. Know is the time to go for what you have always wanted, but be sure to understand your employer beyond the fluff. Everyone has a "great culture" and "benefits".

Go for the job that means something to you and TAKE A RISK!