Counter Offers – Good or Bad?
Here’s a true story – it’s true because it’s my story. 
I had just graduated from college and moved to Northern Virginia for a job working as a Jr. Technical Recruiter in Fairfax, VA. I was barely making enough money as the company that I started my career with had no commission structure. They had promised to come up with one but never did. As a Junior Recruiter, I was making $35K (base salary) with no bonus or any other incentives attached to it. Once I realized that folks in the industry were on commission and clearing 3 times what I was making with the same experience and production as me, I decided to make a change. I quickly found another position with an agency and put in my resignation.
An hour or so later, my boss asked me to come in and speak with him. We sat down in his office and started talking about why I was looking to move to a new company. I explained to him that it was primarily due to money. He then promised me that he would come up a commission structure within 30 days, gave me a raise which would go into effect the following month and for that, he asked me to withdraw my resignation. I did.
Accepting that counter offer was the biggest mistake I made. The reason was Nothing changed. Absolutely nothing. I was making $5K/year more which is about $192 more every other week, but still, no commission. They came up with all sorts of reasons and excuses as to why they were not able to implement one with the hopes of keeping me around. Obviously it did not work and I ended up wasting another 6-7 months with them.
I always advise every candidate that I make offers to who has to turn around and resign from their current position about Counter Offers. It feels great to be wanted by your current employers and another potential employer, especially if it starts a bidding war – but in the end it’s you who will lose.
Current Situation
If your employer antes up more money or vacation time or allows you to work from home more etc. only after you resign from your position, don’t take it. Why? Let’s look at it this way – if they can all of a sudden afford to give you more money or time off or flex time, why didn’t they do it before. Why not offer it during an annual or semi annual review? Why wait till you’re ready to leave?
Why Counter offers are bad for your health?
So let’s say you accept the counter offer and continue to work at the same place. All of a sudden you’re looked as someone who’s not loyal or a team player by management. You’re a walking, talking, breathing target with a big bull’s eye on your back. Why? Because as soon as the project starts winding down, or the company needs to cut costs, you will be the first to go. It happens all the time. And there’s nothing you can do about it now.
Burnt Bridges
At this point, you’ve also burnt a bridge or two. First, with the new company that had initially made you an offer that you rejected over the counter offer. Chances of that company hiring you down to road is very slim. To them, you’re a flake. Second, with the recruiter/headhunter, if you were working with one. What are the chances of this recruiter working with you again? Slim to none. You made them look like a fool before, why would they take a chance on you again? I won’t.
So take it from me and Don’t accept counter offers. There’s nothing good about it. It’s a short term solution for a long term problem which is why you quit the first time around. Remember.
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