The decision to quit a well-paying job is not an undertaking you make on a whim. You are essentially taking a plunge and choosing to step into the unknown. This takes serious thinking, serious consideration of your options and alternatives, and, of course, a lot of guts.
Having been a part of the job market and overseeing the recruitment process from the inside, we have seen many such brave decision makers disappear off the stage. One of the main reasons behind this is the fear of uncertainty and a counteroffer that sounds promising.
It is natural to want to stick to the status quo in a familiar place where you have already adjusted to the culture. However, this counteroffer is often not what it is represented as. There are many recruitment and HR experts that corroborate our stance on not accepting it.
Nothing Actually Changes
There are always well-articulated reasons behind resignations. Whether it is nepotism, inside politics, or an unsatisfactory work environment, your reasons for quitting are valid. When employers present their counteroffer, it does not actually change anything – except for the salary.
Whatever underlying issues prompted you to quit, still remain.
Trust Goes Both Ways
You may not want to hear it, but when you hand in that resignation, your standing with the company will change. You may feel like your employer values your talent and want you to stick around because they trust you with the work. However, most employers see resignations as a sign of lacking loyalty. This will potentially come in the way of your progress and growth in the company in the future.
Your Value will Change
Companies boast about considering their employees as valuable commodities. They like to show you around and tell you that they cherish your hard work and dedication. But when the moment comes and you see that your performance as an employee has exceeded and no longer matches what you’re being compensated, your value in your employer’s eyes reduces.
Whichever company you have received an offer letter from recognizes that value and are willing to pay you enough for it. When you have that to look forward to, why would you want to go back?
Stats Agree
There are several resources that show that more than 80% of employees that choose to accept a counteroffer resume their search for another job within 3 months. This relates to the first point we made above.
When the underlying problems that pushed you to resign do not change, the small salary adjustment would not justify you sticking around for long. Furthermore, the fractured relationships between you and your employer and their assumption of you losing your loyalty to the company will create further tension.
In the end, accepting the counteroffer is a short-term solution for valid concerns you have regarding your career. If you choose to do so, make sure you are laying out exactly what you want to receive from your employer. And if not, end things on a good note to maintain favorable relationships within the industry.
