IMHO: Don’t let a counteroffer cloud your judgment

Written by: Harvey Dunsire, TYG Director

You’ve accepted a new job and it’s finally time to hand in your notice. Easy enough, right?

You do all the right things: give notice, offer to help with the transition, wrap up projects, and say thanks for the opportunity. But instead of a simple handshake and a “good luck,” your boss throws a curveball: a counteroffer. More money, extra vacation, better benefits. Suddenly, leaving your job doesn’t feel so simple anymore.

It’s flattering. It’s tempting. But before you say yes, remember there’s usually more going on beneath the surface.

The hidden motives behind a counteroffer

A resignation can disrupt a team’s ability to meet client deadlines, and losing you means a restart: recruiting, onboarding, and fully training someone new. It’s far cheaper for a company to offer a bit more than to go through all that. Or maybe they just want to keep you long enough to find your replacement.

Whatever the reasoning, it’s rarely as simple as “we just realised how much we value you.” Understanding the true motives is key if you’re considering a job offer vs counteroffer scenario.

If you had to quit to get a raise

That should tell you everything.

Why did it take a resignation letter for your boss to suddenly see your worth? If you were truly that valuable, the raise, recognition, or opportunities would have come before you decided to walk away. This is a classic red flag for anyone weighing counteroffer advice.

The problems you tried to escape will still be there

Higher pay doesn’t magically fix the frustration, or the dissatisfaction that pushed you to look elsewhere in the first place. If parts of the job were turning you off before, they’ll still be sitting there waiting after the counteroffer glow fades.

The same environment. The same issues. The same reasons you wanted out. If your goal is long-term job satisfaction, a temporary pay bump is unlikely to solve it.

Give me another chance is only step one

When you give notice, you’re essentially breaking up with your boss. And like any relationship, the person being dumped starts bargaining:

Give me another chance. Things will get better. I can change.

But once their panic settles and you’ve agreed to stay, new emotions tend to creep in: suspicion and distrust. The dynamic shifts and unlikely in your favour. No matter how sincere, the relationship rarely goes back to the way it was.

Your job security takes a hit

Sure, your boss fought to keep you this time. But when layoffs come around, it’s a safe bet your name lands near the top of the list.

They kept you for their benefit: continuity, convenience, deadlines, not necessarily because they believe you’re committed for the long haul. Now that they know you’re willing to walk, they may be quicker to let you go when it suits them.

Most people who accept a counteroffer leave anyway

The reality is, four out of five employees who accept a counteroffer end up leaving the company within nine months, according to CyberCoders.

Because deep down, a counteroffer doesn’t fix the root issue. It just delays the decision you’ve already made.

The bottom line

A counteroffer might look appealing in the moment, but it often comes loaded with strings, shifting dynamics, and short-lived improvements. If you were ready to move on, trust that instinct. The next chapter you’ve chosen is probably the one you were meant to take.

If you’re looking for advice on counteroffers or wondering what to do next, get in touch! We’re always here to lend an ear and help you figure out the best move for your career.