Why never to consider, or accept a counteroffer

Why never to consider, or accept a counteroffer

Okay, you made the tremendous decision to better your career and find a new position. Finding a new position can be challenging. It takes time, effort, and energy, and it can be stressful to land a great opportunity. But once the offer is negotiated and accepted, and your new firms give you everything you wanted in a new role, it is time to give your notice to your current employer. It is not a “gee, I'm-really-looking-forward-to-it kind of task.” It might keep you up at night, rehearsing what to say to your boss and anticipating numerous reactions like tears, panic, or yelling.

And then, nervously, you announce to the higher-ups that you're leaving: "It has been a terrific time spent, but a better opportunity has come along, and I'm taking it." Your heart rate slows, and you're breathing fresh air. But the next step could be a surprise if you need more preparation.

Your employer says, "Hey, can you hold your decision for 24 hours? I want to discuss this with someone in the corner office and get back to you tomorrow." Much like the spouse who refuses to sign the divorce papers, you are now caught in a game of 'how much you are valued in your old post, and it's a bit alluring. Hmm. They don't want me to leave; they want to keep me, that's interesting. What am I worth in this position? Shall I play this out a bit and see?

Well, here's my best advice, based on all of the candidates that get seduced by a counteroffer: cut your losses. Because sticking around isn't exactly what you wanted in the first place. Here are some reasons why:

1. The counteroffer is a holding pattern. Your employer has yet to find your replacement, and they're only willing to have you leave once they are ready. Does that sound like job security? Not so much.

2. Don’t forget there was a reason you were open to new opportunities. The company you are leaving has not met your professional goals, so you were receptive to new opportunities. Don't forget the basic premise of your search-- you had some philosophical differences to get you here in the first place. Why didn't you ask for a raise if it was just compensation?

3. Your employer will view you as untrustworthy. You have crossed the line. They now know you were looking for another position when they thought your lunch ran late. In their eyes, you are now considered a traitor who is just avaricious enough to stick around.

4. Head them off at the pass. When breaking the news, tell them you are leaving, don't ask for permission. Ensure that your employer knows your decision is firm. Keep them from getting to the point of a counteroffer. You have slogged through this process for a reason, so don't let your flattered ego stop you from forward motion. Politely tell them you're mind is made up.

5. Hold your ground, give plenty of notice and do your best to ensure an orderly transition. Because you never really know if a time could come when you are landing back on your old employer's doorstep-- or your old employer becomes your new employer. Still, hold your ground. People always remember how you leave.

The seduction of a counteroffer is rarely what it seems. Though the bitter taste of disloyalty may linger in the mouth of your current employer, your new post is awaiting you with open arms.