The counter-offer is a huge dilemma for many candidates, which is understandable as the unknown can be daunting.  It’s easy to fall into the honey trap of the incentives being offered to stay.  In my opinion this is never a good option, and here is why I believe you should never take a counter-offer.

Too little too late from your employer

Keep in mind the reasons you were looking for a new role in the first place.  It costs more for an employer to replace you than it does to offer you more money or perks – their counter-offer benefits them more than you.

 You should embrace change

Change can be a scary thing, I know when I first started my business there were lots of ‘what if’, but sometimes we all have to feel the fear and do it anyway.  Don’t stay with an employer just because you are afraid of the unknown.

You’ll lack the feeling of job security

You got that counteroffer off the back of threatening to leave.  This could leave a bitter taste in your employer’s mouth and could plant a seed of doubt as to how much longer you will stay – this could also impact how safe you feel in your job.

You’ll have future regret

This is something I am happy to say I don’t and won’t have because I am willing to take risks to move forward.  Really consider your options so you don’t have any regrets in your career.  You only live once so make the most of it and do what makes you happy.

It might bite you in the bum years later

Taking an offer then turning it down isn’t really going to inspire an employer with confidence in you, meaning all bridges will be burnt.  As we are all aware, people talk in this industry so there’s also a chance you could be tarnishing your reputation.

Are you ready to take that leap of faith?