Why you should think twice before accepting a counter offer

So, you’ve made the decision to resign from your current employer. After weeks or even months of navigating the hiring process, considering your options and discussing with loved ones, you’ve finally accepted an offer and submitted your resignation.

Then comes the curveball: your manager, caught off guard or acting out of desperation, presents you with a counter offer. It might include an immediate promotion, a long-overdue salary increase, or other incentives designed to make you stay.

What now? Do you graciously decline the ‘too little, too late’ offer, or do you accept it, hoping things will be different? If you’re leaning toward the latter, pause for a moment.

Why accepting a counter offer might not be the right move

1. It doesn’t solve the underlying issues

Most professionals don’t decide to leave their jobs solely because of money. Common reasons include a lack of career progression, issues with workplace culture, strained relationships with managers or colleagues, unfulfilling work, or even practical concerns like long commutes or poor work-life balance.

Chances are, you’ve already tried to address these issues with your employer before deciding to leave. So, what makes you think things will change just because you’ve resigned? Do you really want to stay in a role where your concerns are only acknowledged when you threaten to leave?

In our experience, over 80% of candidates who accept counter offers leave within 6–12 months because the underlying issues remain unresolved. By that point, they’ve burned bridges with the new employer who initially hired them, limiting their options for a fresh start.

2. Counter offers are often about cost-saving, not appreciation

A counter offer may feel flattering, but it’s often more about convenience for the employer than genuine recognition of your value. Hiring and onboarding a replacement is time-consuming, expensive and risky – especially for senior roles.

Your employer might simply see retaining you as the easier option. If their counter offer is motivated by self-interest rather than a true investment in your growth, why would you sacrifice your long-term career development for a short-term gain?

3. Your relationship with your employer may never be the same

Resigning changes the dynamic between you and your employer. Even if you accept a counter offer, trust has been broken and your loyalty will likely be questioned going forward.

Managers may see your resignation as a form of blackmail and hold it against you, impacting your chances for future promotions or pay raises. Colleagues may also view your decision sceptically, which can affect team dynamics.

4. Why were you looking in the first place?

Whether it was for better growth opportunities, a healthier work environment, or simply a desire for change, the reasons behind your decision likely won’t vanish just because of a counter offer.

Even if salary was your main concern, the risks of staying often outweigh the benefits. Once you’ve mentally checked out of a role, it’s hard to re-engage fully.

5. It’s your decision – stay true to your goals

At the end of the day, only you can decide what’s best for your career. Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a decision that conflicts with your long-term goals or the reasons that prompted your job search in the first place.

While there are exceptions to every rule, the majority of professionals find that accepting a counter offer is not the solution they hoped it would be.

In conclusion

Take the time to reflect on your reasons for wanting to leave. Think carefully about what has led you to this point and whether your current role can truly meet your long-term goals.

If you choose to accept the counter offer, do so with professionalism, and be sure to maintain positive relationships with your colleagues. If you decide to move on, express your gratitude for the experience and continue focusing on your personal and professional growth. Ultimately, making a well-considered decision that aligns with your goals will set you up for future success, wherever that may take you.

For more advice on resignation see: How to resign: steps, tips and template