Imagine receiving an impressive offer from a well-renown hospital in a city where you would really like to relocate. When mentioning your good fortune to your current employer, they make you a counter-offer.
Should you accept it or go with the brand new opportunity? When, if ever, should you accept a counter-offer?
Seasoned recruiters have different opinions on this matter. The standard response, however, disfavors accepting counter-offers, for several reasons.
Consider, first of all, why firms typically make counter-offers. In simplest terms, they are buying time. Notice of a job resignation is usually unexpected. The knee-jerk response is to keep the employee on board for as long as it takes to find a suitable replacement. In making a counter-offer, the company is primarily thinking of their interest, not yours.
Secondly, consider the impact of a resignation on those who receive it. When you notify your current employer that you've received another job offer, think of the message that communicates: You aren't totally happy where you are. Rather than discuss what would augment your happiness, you broke loyalty to accept another position-perhaps with a competitor institution.
Even if you accept a counter-offer, how long do you think you will stay in your current position? Possibly six months at most. Once you have broken loyalty to the company, they have no reason to be loyal to you. As some employers perceive the matter, they would rather get rid of an employee than be left shorthanded. The next time, you will be asked to leave.
There's another reason why many career strategists look askance at counter-offers. Suppose you turn down an attractive opportunity and accept a counter-offer. Do you really believe there will be many chances for advancement where you now work? In the eyes of your present employer, you've broken loyalty once and indicated a willingness to jump ship. How can they be assured you won't do it again, leaving them in a bind?
On the flip side, some situations appear to justify accepting a counter-offer. Suppose, for the sake of argument, you are offered a position with an organization that you have some doubts about joining. In discussing the matter with your current boss, he mentions how much the company would like to keep you. So they make you a decent counter-offer.
As you weigh the pros and cons of taking the other offer, you learn something unfavorable about the new company. All things considered, it may be in your best interest to stay where you are. If so, it doesn't hurt to be offered more for your services. In such an instance, accepting a counter-offer can be advantageous.
As a rule of thumb, counter-offers are risky propositions. If you have thought through the consequences of accepting a new position, the best of course of action is to follow through with your commitment and make the most of a challenging opportunity. Hopefully, you won't regret it.
