The Counteroffer

Upon resigning, you may be made a counteroffer. Career changes are tough enough, with anxieties about leaving the comfort of your current job and having to prove yourself again in an unknown environment. Clear thinking can be difficult. Since counteroffers can create confusion and buyer's remorse, you should understand what's being cast upon you.

Counteroffers are typically made as some form of flattery:

• "You're too valuable. We need you."
• "You can't desert the team/your friends and leave them hanging."
• "We were just about to give you a promotion/raise, and it was confidential until now."
• "What did they offer? Why are you leaving? and what do you need in order to stay?"
• "Why would you want to work for that company?"
• "The President/CEO wants to meet with you before you make your final decision."

Counteroffers usually take the form of more money

• A promotion/more responsibility
• A modified reporting structure
• Promises or future considerations
• Disparaging remarks about the new company or job
• Guilt trips

While counter-offers may be tempting and even flattering, be aware of these questions:

• Will your loyalty always be in question? Will you ever be considered a team player again?
• If there are future cutbacks, will you be the first to go because of concerns about your loyalty?
• If you accept the counter-offer for more money, are you just giving your employer the time they need to locate and select your replacement?
• Will your career track remain blocked if you accept it?
• Will your responsibilities really be expanded?
• Will you have to report to a person you don't respect?
• Are you really just receiving next year's raise or bonus early?
• Is the counter-offer a ploy to avoid a short-term inconvenience by your employer?
• What are your realistic chances for promotions now that you have considered leaving?
• Where did the additional money or responsibility you'd get come from? Was it your next raise or promotion - just given early?
• Will you be limited in the future? Will you have to threaten to quit in order to get your next raise? Might a cheaper replacement be sought out?
• Will your employer feel like they've been blackmailed?
• What will happen next time there's a cut back in staff?

Counter Offer Statistics

According to national surveys of employees that accept counteroffers, 50-80 percent voluntarily leave their employer within six months of accepting the counter-offer because of unkept promises.

The majority of the balance of employees who accept counter-offers involuntarily leave their current employers within twelve months of accepting the counter-offer (terminated, fired, laid off, etc.).

Accepting a counteroffer can have many negative consequences. As attractive as they may appear, they can greatly decrease your chances of achieving your career potential.