Counter Offer from Current Employer

Updated on May 15, 2011
K.B. asks from Ionia, MI
16 answers

I accepted a job offer and put my two week notice in on thursday to my current employer. Well on friday my bosses boss came to me and is trying to get me to stay, she hasn't given me a written counter offer yet but she told me to think about it over the weekend and she would talk with me next week. I am so tore up about this.

The main reason I was job hunting is because I felt the need for more job stability (she told me on friday that she does not see a problem with job stability, and that they would create a position for me if I stay). They are also slacking on the pay, we have gotten very low raises the last two years. And I know you will/can run into problems anywhere you go, but my boss is so un-compassionate and I feel she lacks in the communication department.

And my new employer seems perfect except for the pay, but money isen't everything. When I went for both of my interviews there I felt so comfortable and they have such great job security they even work overtime on occasion.

I have researched a lot online and talked to a lot of people and I still keep going back and for depending on what they offer me next week.

Input would be great :)

Thanks in advance

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So What Happened?

Well after thinking about it over the weekend and reading all the responses I got on here I felt more and more uncomfortable with stay at my current employer. Sooooooo I am sticking with the new JOB and I start June 1st

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T.M.

answers from Tampa on

Take the new job...if you accept the counter, then it will never be the same...you will always be the one who tried to leave...

3 moms found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

Take the new job. The vast majority of people who accept counter offers still end up leaving within the year. The main reason people leave jobs is the relationship with their immediate supervisor/boss. That sounds like the main reason you are wanting to move. More money will not change this person's communication style. Move on!

When I was an HR Manager/Recruiter we never made people counter offers for all the reasons I stated above.

3 moms found this helpful

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S.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Trust the feeling of comfort. When I gave notice at my last job, I was verbally offered anything I wanted. As my last day of notice rolled around, I still didn't have anything in writing. So I left saying please hire me as a consultant for the interim until you can put it in writing, again verbally I was told yes. I ended the pay period and said I didn't want to start another pay period in limbo, I got a call two weeks later for an exit interview. Long story short, they were only trying to get me to stay without changing anything really. I month earlier, I had a program meeting with the CFO, who told me I was really underpaid and wasn't sure why because the money had been there. Good luck with your decision.

5 moms found this helpful
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P.F.

answers from Dallas on

I would go to the new job. Since your current employer waited until the last minute to counteroffer, I would not trust them to get you to stay and then fire you. Just my opinion. Good luck!

3 moms found this helpful
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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

3 moms found this helpful
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A.B.

answers from Louisville on

While researching job information for my husband recently, I ran across this great article about counteroffers:

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/weigh-these-factors-b...

You said you've already researched, but we followed this advice when my husband switched jobs last month. If you don't feel like reading the link, the summary is, a study done on accepting counteroffers showed that employees who accepted counteroffers usually end up leaving the company 6-12 months later anyway. It can make for a very awkward work environment, especially if the company takes it personally that you were looking for work or if they no longer trust you (thereby limiting the chance for promotions and good assignments, etc.).

My husband worked for a very small company, and it was a big blow to them when he gave notice. Everyone (his manager on up to the owner of the company) tried to talk him into staying and wanted to counteroffer, but by that point, it was obvious that they would have had a hard time getting over the fact that he had even considered another company. Loyalty is a very big deal to them. He has not regretted taking the new job, and to be honest, he really loved the last one but knew it wouldn't have ever been the same again because the trust was gone the minute he broke the news to them.

And you're right, money isn't everything, but if you approach it from job security and personal/career growth standpoint, if that seems better with the new job, definitely take the new one.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.A.

answers from Detroit on

I think accepting a counter offer is a kiss of death... They want to keep you now only because you are leaving... However they will always remember you were trying to leave. If you feel the new company was good enough to accept the offer, despite the money, than I think you should take the offer with the new job and exit gracefully from the old job.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Detroit on

You answered your own question. Your new employer sounds perfect to you except for the pay, but with potenial overtime.

Yes being happy at a job is THE most important.

I suggest going with the new job.

Good luck to you :)

2 moms found this helpful
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R..

answers from Chattanooga on

I would go to the new place... you are most likely going to be there long-term, so if you will be happier and more comfortable, definitely switch.

2 moms found this helpful
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A.S.

answers from San Diego on

New Job. Your boss decided that they want to offer you something enticing as you are leaving? Hmm why is that? They couldn't think of it before you gave notice, they haven't told you a number or what else to keep you, and created positions are never job security. It could mean that they create it, 2 weeks later don't like it, then you are out of a job. Go with your gut, you went job searching for a reason.

2 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

What is it they say about a bird in the hand?
The firm job offer is a reality.
The counter offer is smoke and mirrors until you get something in writing.
Don't burn your bridges, but leave with a smile on a pleasant note and don't look back.

1 mom found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

You haven't been guaranteed anything at your current job, and you don't really like it. The new job offers you the stability you are looking for, and you felt comfortable there. For me, there would be no debate. I'd take the new job in a second. There is a quote I love. It goes something like this, "when the grass is greener on the other side, water the side you're on." There is a facade of the grass maybe being greener on the side of your current employer. I think you know it's really not.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.O.

answers from Detroit on

Take the new job. Sounds like you had many reasons for wanting to leave to begin with, and giving you more money is not going to solve all of those reasons.

It can be a little scary to try something new, like a new job, but it's also an exciting thing that could bring you more satisfaction. It's just never a good idea to accept counteroffers.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.B.

answers from Detroit on

If money isn't everything, and the new place sounds perfect, go with it. If a p;lace has to be created to keep you, it could also be the case that having to hire and train someone to do your job is more than they want to do. It doesn't sound very stabile.
Go for the new one.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from Detroit on

There is no such thing as a sure thing anymore in the job market. An acquaintance of mine was told that even if her boss leaves, there would be a job for her. With that in mind, she and her husband bought a house. Well a few months after closing, her job was in jeopardy and finally terminated. She had to move to another state and her husband stayed to try and sell the new house. It has been over a year and they are still not together.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Well, you can't really make a decision yet--until you have all the facts. I'm sure it will be easier to choose once all of the cards are on the table.

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