Finding a new position isn’t easy. It
takes time, more time than any respected profession warrants. In fact,
after you reach a certain level of acumen in your chosen field, it’s
downright insulting to be part of this slow-moving process,
waiting tirelessly to land that next, rightful position. But once the
deal is done, you are ready. You are pleased with the compensation
package and determined to make a move. And then what? It’s time to tell
the news to your current employer: not such a
gee-I’m-really-looking-forward-to-it kind of task. It might keep you up
at night, actually rehearsing what to say to your direct report.
And
then, nervously, you announce to the higher ups you’re leaving: “It
has been a terrific time spent but a better opportunity has come along
and I’m taking it.” Your heart rate slows and you’re breathing fresh
air. But the next step could come as a surprise if you aren’t prepared
for it.
Your employer says to you:
“Hey, can you hold your decision for 24 hours? I would like to discuss
this with someone in the corner office and get back to you tomorrow.”
Much like the spouse who refuses to sign the divorce papers, you are now
caught in a game of ‘how much you are valued in your old post and it’s a
bit alluring. Hmm. They don’t want me to leave, they want to keep me,
that’s interesting. What am I really worth in this position? Shall I
play this out a bit and see?
Well
here’s my best advice, based on all of the candidates that get seduced
by the counter offer: cut your losses. Because truly, sticking around
isn’t exactly what you wanted in the first place. Here are some reasons
why:
1. The counter offer is a holding pattern.
Your employer hasn’t found your replacement and they’re not willing to
have you leave until they are ready. Does that sound like job security?
Not so much.
2. Don’t forget, there was a reason you were open to new opportunities. The company that you are leaving has not met your professional goals and that’s why you were receptive to new opportunities.
Don’t forget the basic premise of your search– you had some kind of
philosophical differences to get you here in the first place. If it was
just compensation, why didn’t you ask for a raise?
3. Your employer will view you as untrustworthy.
You have crossed the line. In fact, they now know you were looking for
another position when they thought your lunch just ran late. You are
now considered a traitor in their eyes; one who is just avaricious
enough to stick around.
4. Head them off at the pass.
When breaking the news, tell them you are leaving, don’t ask for
permission. Ensure that your employer knows your decision is firm. Don’t
even allow them to get to the point of a counter offer. You have
slogged through this process for a reason, so don’t let your flattered
ego stop you from forward motion. Politely tell them you’re mind is made
up.
5. Hold your ground, give plenty of notice and do your best to ensure an orderly transition.
Because you never really know if a time could come when you are landing
back on your old employer’s doorstep– or your old employer becomes
your new employer. Still, hold your ground. People always remember how
you leave.
The seduction of a
counter offer is rarely what it seems. Though the bitter taste of
disloyalty may linger in the mouth of your current employer, your new
post is awaiting you with open arms.