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You’ve recently accepted a position with another company and are ready to turn in your notice with your current employer. This wasn’t an easy decision as you’ve probably enjoyed your time with the company, knowing that you made a difference in people’s lives and made a few friends while you were at it. You explain to your boss all of the reasons why you’ve decided to move on, but he asks you to stay…“Things will change. I promise. What will it take to keep you here?”
Your current employer makes a lucrative counter offer and now you’re thinking of staying. I’m here to tell you that no matter what happy thoughts go through your head, it’s time to move on, and here’s why:
1. Questioned Loyalty – You’ve already made it clear you want to leave. Whatever trust you built up with your boss is now gone. Any time you need to take a day off because one of your children is sick or you have a doctor’s appointment, or you just need a day to relax, your employer may view your time off with suspicion. You will no longer be seen as a team player, no longer trusted and your reputation with the company and your direct supervisor may suffer.
2. Broken Promises – Counter offers are simply a response to you leaving. It should not have ever gotten this far. You’ve had several meetings with your supervisor about money, a better work environment, new team members, responsibilities, promotions and more, but you didn’t get any of it. The counter offer was based on timing, not your work and merit. It’s easier to keep you employed with a counter offer than to replace you. The cost of recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training a qualified candidate will take time and resources – which when you add everything together can be quite significant. If it takes you putting in your notice before changes are made, is that really a company you want to work for?
3. No Second Chances – You accepted an offer from the new company and then turned them down despite meeting all your demands. FYI…you just burned a bridge with that company and the hiring manager. It’s safe to say that neither one will ever hire you in the future. I have a good friend of mine who accepted a counter offer with a large automotive company only to be laid off five months later. The company they turned down – a growing tech company that would later (within 15 years) become one of the largest tech companies in the world with annual revenue over $60 billion. Needless to say but that friend still regrets his decision.
Jason, this is good information for both employee and employer.
Thanks