How to handle a counter offer after accepting a job with another employer

Changing employers can sometimes be a scary moment in anyone’s career and takes careful consideration. Stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown can cause feelings of risk, challenge, adventure or even fear.

Look at your initial reasons for wanting to change jobs, as more often than not people change jobs for issues other than just money. If this is the case, then it is more than likely those same issues will still be there even after a counter offer is accepted for more money.

Recent statistics show that the probability of you leaving within a year of the counter offer is extremely high. There are always going to be some risks when starting a new position with a new company, however, there tends to be more risks in accepting a counter offer. These risks may include:

• You employer questioning your loyalty to the organization;
• Your relationship with your manager and/or management team could deteriorate;
• A culture change within the office;
• Your employer looking at a replacement for you at a time more convenient to them.

If a new job offer from an employer has already been accepted, it can be seen as unethical to retract the acceptance based on a counter offer from your current employer.

To avoid the prospect of facing a counter offer always be prepared when resigning. It is important that you focus on the positive opportunity you have been offered and why you accepted the role in the first place.

In the end, after weighing up all the factors and perhaps discussing them with family members, close friends or a mentor, you will need to make a decision. Ultimately, you need to do what is in your best short and long-term interests. Usually what is appropriate for one party is appropriate for both parties concerned – even if not always apparent at first.