Thinking About Accepting a Counter-Offer? Here’s What You Should Consider First
You’ve handed in your notice, secured an exciting new role, and then it happens. Your current employer makes a counteroffer.
More money, a new title, promises of change. It might feel flattering or even tempting to stay. But before you make a decision, it’s worth stepping back and thinking clearly about what’s best for you in the long run.
We’re not here to tell you what to do. Everyone’s situation is different, and ultimately, only you know what’s right for your career. But with counter-offers becoming increasingly common, here are five key points to consider before saying “yes.”
1. What Made You Want to Leave in the First Place?
Start with the basics. What was your original reason for looking elsewhere?
If your decision was driven by pay alone, it’s worth asking yourself why that conversation hadn’t happened before. For many professionals, however, it’s more than money. It’s often about culture, leadership, recognition, or growth opportunities.
Accepting a counter-offer might address your concerns on the surface, but if those underlying issues remain, it’s only a matter of time before the same feelings resurface.
2. Does the Counter-Offer Truly Solve the Problem?
A salary bump or new responsibilities might feel like progress, but will it resolve the root of your dissatisfaction?
If the issue was poor leadership, lack of development, or a misalignment in values, can those realistically change? And more importantly, how long are you willing to wait to see if they do?
It’s also worth remembering: you already have an offer from a company that wants you. Will that opportunity still be on the table in six months if you find yourself in the same position?
3. Why Did It Take Your Resignation to Prompt Action?
If your current employer is only offering improvements now, ask yourself: why did it take this for them to step up?
It’s not necessarily about being valued, it may be more about how they handle people, feedback, and progression.
If you’ve not had regular check-ins, reviews, or clear development conversations, is this the kind of leadership that’s going to support your long-term growth?
4. Short-Term Win, Long-Term Repeat?
The reality is: many professionals who accept counter-offers end up back on the job market within six months.
Why? Because the excitement wears off, and the same challenges return. If you’ve made the effort to explore a new opportunity, don’t settle for a temporary fix that glosses over deeper problems.
5. Always Get It in Writing
If you do decide to consider a counter-offer, get every part of it confirmed in writing. Whether it’s a salary increase, a new title, or promises about flexibility or progression, verbal agreements aren’t enough.
If your manager resists putting it in writing, that tells you everything you need to know about how serious and trustworthy the offer is.
Final Thoughts
It’s natural to feel torn when faced with a counteroffer. But don’t let a moment of hesitation cloud the decision you’ve already put so much thought into.
Talk it through with someone you trust, whether that’s a mentor, friend or family member and give yourself the space to think clearly.
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