Reasons why NOT to accept a counter offer ?

So, you've decided it's time to start looking for another job. There are many reasons for this - Lack of career advancement opportunities? Unsatisfactory pay? Poor work-life balance or poor working environment? Lack of job satisfaction? The list goes on.

Here's the scenario: You go on a few interviews, you find a company that suits you to a "T", you smash your final interview and the company offers you! ??

You're excited for this amazing new opportunity and can't wait to be a part of this team! Here's the thing though - you now have to resign from your current employer and we all know how daunting this can be ??

We often think that it would just be easier to stay where we are, even though we had decided to start looking - we needed a change and a new challenge! We were ready!.... BUT - now we have been counter offered (Yikes), this throws a spanner in the works. We've been offered more money, maybe a different position within the company? A promotion perhaps? - We need to remember our WHY. Why did we start looking in the first place? Why must I NOT accept a counter offer? ?

Here are some of the main reasons why you should not accept a counter offer after you have started looking for a new role:

1. Loyalty concerns: Your employer may question your loyalty and commitment to the company after you have indicated that you were looking for a new job. This can impact your future opportunities within the company.
2. Reduced negotiating power: Once you have accepted a counter offer, your negotiating power with your current employer is reduced. If you have future salary or benefit requests, they may not be as willing to accommodate them.
3. Temporary solution: Counter offers are often made to try to keep you from leaving, but they are often only temporary solutions to the problems that made you consider leaving in the first place. The same issues that led you to look for a new job are likely to re-emerge later on.
4. Damaged relationship: Your relationship with your employer and coworkers can become strained after you have accepted a counter offer. This can make it difficult to work effectively in the future.
5. Limited growth opportunities: Your employer may have offered you a raise or promotion to try to keep you, but it's unlikely that they will be able to offer you additional growth opportunities in the future.
6. Unsatisfied with the job: If you were already considering leaving the company, a counter offer may not address the underlying issues that made you dissatisfied with your job in the first place.
7. Burned bridges: If you do end up leaving the company after accepting a counter offer, it can create a negative impression and potentially burn bridges with your former employer.
8. Missed opportunity: By accepting a counter offer, you may be missing out on a better opportunity with a different company that could offer a better work environment and long-term career prospects.

Overall, while a counter offer may seem tempting, it's important to consider the long-term implications and whether it will truly address the reasons why you were looking for a new job in the first place.