Accepting a counteroffer from your employer when trying to resign, some people say, is like peeing in your pants as it will only keep you warm for so long.
Counteroffers are usually nothing more than stall devices to give your employer time to replace you.
Some companies only counter to get the employee to stay until they find a replacement and then they let the employee go.
No matter what the company says when making its counteroffer, you will always be considered a future risk.
Having once demonstrated your lack of loyalty (whatever your reason was for trying to resign), you will lose your status as a trusted team player.
Your reasons for wanting to leave still exist. Conditions are perhaps just made a bit more tolerable in the short term because of the raise, promotion or promises made to keep you.
Gambling with your career
To all you candidates, here is my warning why accepting a counteroffer is gambling with your career.
You see, today’s corporate environment has made the counteroffer an important weapon in the war for talent.
The Headhunter now for 20 years
Many companies on purpose keep salary costs down until they absolutely have to pay their best talent.
Your boss is going to be shocked that you have accepted another position and that you are leaving.
The first that goes through your boss’ mind
The first thing that will go through his mind is how your resignation will have an impact on him.
He may have to work more hours until a replacement is found; your leaving will lower the morale of the rest of the staff, and your boss may have an extremely difficult time finding someone with your qualifications to replace you.
He is also thinking about what his own boss is going to say that a senior person is leaving the company. Suddenly, it may also impact the boss’ reputation at head office.
Honestly, this dance by the boss is not about you, but how your boss gets out of the mess when you leave.
You must ask yourself this question
End of the day it is much easier and cheaper for your company and boss to try to keep you rather than losing you (especially if it’s to a competitor).
But ask yourself why it is that on the day you give notice suddenly your opinions are so important to the boss.
Why have the boss and company only now become concerned about your future or why is the company only now ready to talk about compensation when they are face to face with losing you?
- Why weren’t you worth that much to them yesterday?
- Does it take you leaving to get something you should have been getting anyway?
- If so, is that the type of company you want to work for?
By resigning you are breaking the trust of your employer
If you take the counteroffer and stay, your company may feel that it owns you.
You will be known as the one who caused your employer grief by threatening to quit.
You’ll no longer be known as a loyal employee.
You may be overlooked by the boss on the next possible promotion. They likely feel they have already done enough for you.
Cannot blame the boss for thinking twice before investing more in you. It could stall your career progression for sure.
There are stories where companies only counter to get the employee to stay until they find a replacement and then let the employee go, do not consider you for promotion, do not pay out the bonus, and do not adjust your compensation.
Some companies feel that it’s better for people to leave on their terms instead of their employees’ terms. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.
Employers: Great tips to prevent losing your new hire
If you are a hiring employer, there are many actions and initiatives you should know about.
5 tips to fight counteroffers, continue reading.
One in four employees plans to leave their employer after COVID. Continue reading.
Warning: The Great Resignation. Read it here.
