Deciding to change jobs can be a hard decision for a lot of people. If you have decided to take the jump into uncharted waters leading to applying for positions in other companies, there is more than likely an important reason. By going through the process of attending many different interviews to find one that meets your requirements and offers you the role is time-consuming. However, if you are faced by a last ditch attempt to keep you by a counter offer from your manager, it could confuse your next step. Salary is important, although there are usually other factors to take into consideration before you move forward.

There Must Be An Important Reason You Want To Leave

It is crucial to be happy where you work, as you will be spending a lot of your time there. By receiving an offer from a new role you must feel comfortable enough to want to take it, therefore it must meet all your requirements and be a step-up from where you are currently employed. Whether that be a team you can easily fit into or helping you to reach other goals, you chose this company for a reason.

Hard Work Only Noticed When Leaving

A counter offer shows that you are way more valuable than your current salary. Being unnoticed highlights your talent being taken for granted, and if you stay this could continue until you threaten to leave again.

Your Boss Could Treat You Differently

From letting your boss know you have received another offer you are effectively saying you feel there are many better opportunities elsewhere. Accepting the counter offer will leave you in a different environment where colleagues and management may be less trusting. Furthermore, any future pay rise may be deducted due to the salary increase received from the counter offer.

Leaving The Organisation Will Come Sooner or Later

Research has proven that 80% of employees that have accepted counter offers will leave the company within 9 months. This is due to the underlying reasons still being present and creating an unhappy work environment. Salary is important, however satisfaction at the workplace is more so.

Other Companies Opinions

The offer received from another company highlights their interest in you. They have spent valuable resources to reach the stage of offering you the role. By turning the offer down, it shows a lack of loyalty to the company. Therefore, if your paths cross in the future, the reputation you have gained can create hurdles.

All situations are different. There may be more advantages for you to take the counter offer, but consider all points discussed before making a decision. The last thing you would want to do is accept the offer, regret it, and start looking for a new role all over again.