Many happily (or not so happily) employed professionals casually browse job boards. It’s natural to want to understand our market value and whether we’re being compensated fairly – or even if there are roles that could be a better fit for us.

But once your passive job searching turns to actively applying and you accept a new role, it’s likely you have some compelling reasons to leave your current employer.

After the excitement settles and you’re ready to hand in your notice, it’s important to plan how you’re going to react to a counteroffer from your current employer. If you’re good at what you do and you’re important to the operations of your company, you can expect that your current employer will attempt to entice you to stay.

Why?

Because while you’re handing in your notice, your (future former) manager’s mind immediately starts racing to questions of who is going to do your work, how your loss is going to affect morale, and on and on.

And while a counteroffer is flattering (who doesn’t like to feel wanted) and those considerations are important to your manager, they don’t change the reasons why you were open to making a move and why it makes sense for your personal situation. 

As recruiters, we’ve seen too many accepted counteroffers backfire, resulting in damaged careers and reputations. To illustrate why, here are ten reasons you should never accept a counteroffer.  

1. A counteroffer probably won’t change much about your current situation. 

Although your counteroffer will likely be more money, it won’t fix the other reasons you have chosen to pursue other employment. Whether it’s tension caused by company culture, lack of career advancement opportunities, lack of flexible work options, or a combination of these and other factors, more money won’t change those concerns. 

2. Your future employer is excited to have you.

Accepting a counteroffer means you will need to let your future employer know you’ll no longer be joining their team. If they’ve extended you an offer it means they have run through their hiring process and out of all the potential candidates for the role, they selected you. They’re eager to have you join and believe you will be a great addition. Turning down their offer is likely to burn a bridge and undermine your chances of future employment with them if or when you do decide to leave your current employer.

3. A change will do you good. 

Staying with your current employer is a safe option. You know what to expect, the different dynamics at play, and staying is comfortable. But real growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Changing companies will result in new challenges and opportunities to help you grow and build your skills. Don’t be lulled back into complacency by saying yes to a counteroffer. 

4. It shouldn’t take a threat of leaving to get paid your worth. 

Getting a raise is always nice, but when it comes in the form of a counteroffer, it could be that you have been underpaid all along. If your boss can find the money to offer you a raise now, why hasn’t he or she offered sooner? You should always feel like you’re being paid what you deserve because your company values your contributions – rather than out of desperation.

5. A pay raise now might mean no pay raise later.

When a raise comes as a counteroffer, there is a chance that your boss is just fast-tracking a raise you’re already due. The extra money you get as a result of a counteroffer could result in a stagnant salary for the foreseeable future. Try not to get too tempted by the number offered and instead, think about what your future with the company will actually look like. 

6. They may lose their trust in you (and you in them).

Even if you and your boss have a good relationship, the process of potentially resigning and then accepting a counteroffer can damage any trust you’ve built. Your boss may grow concerned that you’ve been unhappy and have not said anything or that you could essentially be “bought.”

They might also look at you differently, realizing you’ve reneged on another offer. Fair or not, they may begin to question your loyalty and wonder when you might choose to leave again. For you, the counteroffer might suggest your boss has not truly appreciated your contributions. 

7. They may start looking for a replacement. 

Once your employer knows you’re unhappy and entertaining other offers, they may begin to look to replace you with someone more enthusiastic (and potentially at a lower salary). Once your boss knows you seriously considered leaving once, they may not want to be caught unprepared again. If they find someone new, you’ll have to start your job search all over. 

8. Accepting a counteroffer may not help you advance your career.

One of the most common reasons for leaving a job is lack of career advancement opportunities. A counteroffer can’t change that. Even if this wasn’t one of your primary complaints, once you’ve indicated that you’re ready to leave, your current employer will be less likely to invest in your career. You might be passed up for promotions in favor of colleagues who, in your employer’s eyes, have remained trusted and loyal employees.

9. Counteroffers are often made in desperation.

Especially if your boss is blindsided by your potential resignation, they may be making a counteroffer out of desperation — not a strong desire to keep you. They may be worried about what a vacancy in your position will mean for the rest of the team or grow worried about the time it takes to find a replacement. Their counteroffer could be motivated by a desire to avoid those headaches, not because they want to keep you. 

10. Consider the message you are sending to your colleagues and those you manage. 

If you accept a counteroffer, other employees, whether they’re colleagues or those you manage, might believe that getting a raise is as easy as threatening to resign. You could be unwittingly setting a bad precedent that could impact the entire company.

Is there ever a reason to accept a counteroffer?

Yes. If you consider all the above risks of accepting a counteroffer and still decide it’s the best option for you, proceed with caution. Be sure to get any promises or stipulations in writing and negotiate wisely. 

Are you ready to make a career move?

Turn to Murray Resources, the country’s best recruiters. With over 30 years of experience, there’s a reason why our clients and candidates continue to trust us with their most important positions – and their careers. When you’re ready to consider other opportunities, let us help. Contact us today or search our open jobs.