Sounds great!
But why are more than 80% of all people who take a counter offer back on the job market within 3 to 6 months?
A counter offer is an INDUCED call to action by an employer, not VOLUNTARY. You have them backed in a corner with no other choice to offer you what you want or you walk. They will promise the world to get you to stay. They will tell you “You’re a valuable member of the team”, “We’ve invested so much into you”, “You’ll be letting down the team”, “Your future is so strong here”, “Here’s more money”. At this point, you start feeling guilty about your decision to leave because now they are giving you more money, going down memory lane and telling you how good you are (the emotional minefield).
QUESTION: If you’re so valuable, why did it take for you to resign for them to start recognising this?
Suppose the counter offer is taken, project yourself 6 months into the future and ask yourself if any of your original reasons for leaving can or will actually be addressed or changed? Chances are they will be unchanged. Money will not fix core issues within a company or personnel, nor will it satisfy career ambitions or provide access to new clients and projects. You’re now one of the 80% who take a counter offer and back on the job market within 3 to 6 months.
Over our combined recruitment experience, we have put together a list of the most common outcomes of accepting a Counter Offer.
- Lack of Trust: Accepting a counter offer often leads to a breakdown of trust between you and your employer. By initially seeking opportunities elsewhere, you signal a desire for change and growth. Your decision to stay may leave your employer questioning your commitment and loyalty, leading to strained relationships and limited career advancement opportunities.
- Temporary Solutions: Counter offers are frequently made to retain valuable employees rather than address underlying issues within the company. While a salary increase or improved benefits may seem appealing in the short term, it doesn’t necessarily address other factors that contributed to your decision to explore new opportunities. Accepting a counter offer could result in a temporary fix, leaving you dissatisfied in the long run.
- Professional Reputation: Word can quickly spread within professional networks about your intent to leave and subsequent acceptance of a counter offer. This can tarnish your professional reputation, making it challenging to be considered for future opportunities elsewhere. Other employers may question your loyalty and dedication, hindering your chances of advancing your career outside of your current organisation.
- Career Development Stagnation: Accepting a counter offer may delay or completely halt your professional growth. While the allure of a pay raise or promotion within your current company may seem enticing, it’s essential to evaluate the potential impact on your long-term career trajectory. Accepting a counter offer could result in missed opportunities for new challenges, diverse experiences, and skill development.
- Unaddressed Underlying Issues: The reasons for seeking new opportunities often extend beyond compensation alone. Accepting a counter offer may overlook the underlying factors that initially prompted your job search. Issues such as limited career advancement, a toxic work environment, or a lack of job satisfaction may remain unresolved, leading to continued frustration and dissatisfaction in the long term.
- Future Layoffs or Downsizing: Accepting a counter offer may provide temporary job security, but it doesn’t guarantee long-term stability. If your company faces financial difficulties or downsizing in the future, employees who previously sought to leave may be more likely to be considered for layoff. Accepting a counter offer doesn’t change the underlying challenges the company may face, leaving you vulnerable in uncertain times.
- Missed Networking Opportunities: Exploring new job opportunities can offer valuable networking opportunities with professionals in your industry. By accepting a counter offer, you miss out on building new connections, expanding your professional network, and accessing potential future career opportunities that may have been available through your job search.
While accepting or seeking a counter offer from your employer may initially seem like an attractive solution, it’s essential to recognise the potential dangers associated with this decision. Trust issues, career stagnation, and a damaged professional reputation are among the risks that can impact your long-term success. It’s crucial to carefully evaluate your motivations, consider the broader implications, and make an informed decision that aligns with your professional goals and aspirations.
By prioritising your long-term career growth and seeking opportunities that address your underlying concerns, you can navigate your professional journey with confidence and set yourself up for sustained success.