Counter-Offers: Good, Bad, or an Opportunity?
Posted on June 30, 2008
Filed Under Advice |
By Jennifer Boutell, Careers.Org Contributing Editor
Hal Reiter, Chairman and CEO of a senior-level executive search firm, advises in a Forbes opinion piece that accepting a counteroffer may look like a good idea, but will ultimately result in resentment and career suicide. All over the internet, job experts say the same thing: if you are planning to leave your current job, and your employer makes a counteroffer, DON’T TAKE IT! Article after article sites the same study by Christian & Timbers, which found that employees who accept counter-offers generally end up leaving within 6 months to a year.
It’s not always that simple, however. As Ruby Bayan, guest contributor to Tech Republic points out, there may be valid reasons why a counter-offer could improve your work situation. She cites the example of an employee who wanted to leave to be closer to his pregnant wife - there were concrete things his company could and did offer to keep him in his current job. On the other hand, if your reasons for leaving have more to do with an unpleasant work environment, more money or a better title isn’t likely to ameliorate the problem. Also, consider that many of these pieces were written at a time of relative prosperity. Carefully evaluate the strengths of each company before making any decision and if one or the other firm is beginning to show signs of financial strain, take that into serious consideration.
Ultimately, experts agree that the most important factors in evaluating a counter-offer are the reasons you are considering leaving your job in the first place. Before you walk into your boss’s office, make sure you are prepared for the “you’re too valuable” talk. Consider why you want to leave, whether or not the counteroffer will really address those core issues, and how your employer and co-workers may feel if they think you are forcing them to make the offer. Choose cautiously and wisely, and know that the odds of remaining with your current employer may be stacked against you.
*photo by Egan Snow
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I think it is a good thing because if you need to have a better pay you can ask for a raise.