Before jumping at a counteroffer, think long and hard. Ask yourself this – If you were worth X dollars yesterday, why is your company suddenly willing to now pay you Y dollars today? Accepting a counteroffer can have numerous negative consequences. Consider these top 10 reasons to say “no” to a counteroffer:
Reason No. 1: What type of company do you work for if you have threatened to resign before they give you what you’re worth?
Reason No. 2: Where is the money for the counteroffer coming from? Is it your next raise, early? (Many companies have strict wage and salary guidelines that must be followed).
Reason No. 3: Your company will immediately start looking for a new person at a lower salary.
Reason No. 4: You have now made your employer aware that you are unhappy. From this day on, your loyalty will always be in question.
Reason No. 5: When promotion time comes around, your employer will remember who was loyal and who wasn’t. Which list do you think you will be on?
Reason No. 6: When times get tough, your employer will begin the cutback with you.
Reason No. 7: The same circumstances that now cause you to consider a change will repeat themselves in the future, even if you accept a counteroffer.
Reason No. 8: Statistics compiled by the National Employment Association confirm the fact that over 80% of those people who elected to accept a counteroffer are not with their company six months later.
Reason No. 9: Accepting a counteroffer is a bribe and a blow to your personal pride. Were you bought?
Reason No. 10: Once the word gets out, the relationship that you now enjoy with your co-workers will never be the same. You will lose the personal satisfaction of peer group acceptance.
You need to think carefully about all these facts before making a final decision. Evaluate your reasons for leaving your current position, the reasons you accepted the position, and what your career goals are. A mistake in your career could cost you your future, professional growth and money. Usually when it comes down to it, you’re better off saying “no” to a counteroffer.