Question from Job Seeker:

Hi, I recently got a great job offer and as a result resigned from work. However, two days after letting my manager know of my decision, I received a counter-offer with a salary that is higher than the one I will be getting in my new job. I’m very lost and no longer know what to do. Any advice?

Answer from Bayt HR Guru:

It all seems like good news for you, congratulations! Receiving a counter offer means that you are a valuable resource within the company and that your boss would not want to see you leave. While this is flattering, it is important to keep in mind that you have received this counter offer as a reaction to your resignation, which might make you question your value. Counter offers are more often than not temporary tactics used by employers to give themselves some time to find a replacement.

No matter how your employer makes it look, once you have resigned, you are a potential risk to the company. Thus, before taking your decision think of the reasons that made you resign in the first place. If these reasons remain, then you should definitely reject the counter offer. A higher salary might not motivate you, improve your creativity, or make the management style more agreeable, etc. Here are the risks of accepting a counter offer:

- Your employer now knows that your are unhappy

- Your employer will no longer consider you as loyal

- You may be overlooked for the next raise/promotion

- Accepting a counter offer will suggest that you only care about the money

- The reasons that made you resign will soon reoccur

- Your relationship with your colleagues/management might be damaged beyond repair

- You will burn bridges with the new company you had agreed to join It is true that counter offers tend to be very tempting financially; however you need to make sure you are taking a wise decision on the long run.

Good luck!