The Truth About Counteroffers: Key Reasons to Think Twice
Why You Shouldn’t Accept a Counteroffer
Receiving a counteroffer when you hand in your resignation can be flattering; it’s an acknowledgment of your value to the company.
However, accepting that offer is often not the wisest choice for your long-term career.
It’s essential to recognise the true motivation behind a counteroffer—it may be less about valuing you and more about avoiding the expense of finding your replacement.
Consider the following reasons why accepting a counteroffer can backfire:
1. The Reasons You Started Looking Still Exist
Reflect on why you began job hunting.
Perhaps you were dissatisfied with the work environment, felt underappreciated, saw limited career growth, or wanted a better work-life balance.
A counteroffer might improve your salary temporarily, but it doesn’t solve the deeper issues that led you to consider leaving.
2. Loyalty and Trust May Be Irreparably Damaged
Once your employer knows you’ve been actively looking for other opportunities, your loyalty may be questioned.
The trust dynamic can shift, and your employer may begin considering other talent to eventually replace you.
3. Raises May Become Less Likely
If you only received a raise after threatening to leave, it shows salary increases aren’t regularly offered.
Future raises may be delayed or reduced since the company already gave in once.
4. The 'Regret Factor' from Your Employer
Counteroffers are often made out of urgency, not genuine desire to retain you.
Employers may later regret the increased cost, and you might face more scrutiny or be first in line if cuts are made.
5. Higher Expectations and Increased Pressure
With extra pay comes extra expectations.
You may face increased demands and pressure to continuously prove your worth.
6. Missed Opportunities Elsewhere
Accepting a counteroffer means saying no to new, potentially better-aligned opportunities.
Your initial interest in leaving shows there are valid reasons to move on.
A counteroffer may simply delay the inevitable.
7. Statistics Are Not on Your Side
Studies show many employees who accept counteroffers leave within 6–12 months anyway.
Core issues remain unresolved, leading to eventual departure.
People don’t leave because things are hard—they leave because it’s no longer worth it.
Final Thoughts
If your employer only values you when you threaten to leave, consider why they didn’t act sooner.
Accepting more money might ease financial concerns, but it rarely addresses deeper issues like:
Job dissatisfaction
Poor management
Lack of career growth
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be one of the most empowering career moves you make. Yes, it’s risky—but the rewards can be life-changing:
Personal growth
Career satisfaction
New challenges
Your salary will change, but nothing else will.
The company might offer more money—but they’re unlikely to fix the underlying issues that made you want to leave.
By accepting a new opportunity, you are choosing a solution—not a temporary fix.
Moving forward is an invitation to grow and explore.
Aim for a path that aligns with your long-term goals—not just a short-term comfort zone.