When You Make a Decision to Leave, Leave.
By: Melissa Shapiro
Individuals often seek a new job opportunity for various reasons, ranging from no room for growth to corporate culture not being the right fit. A Gallup poll mentioned management as the top reason, while salary came in near the bottom of the list. No matter the specifics, individuals choose to look for a role outside of their company because they are unhappy in their current situation.
Sometimes, a company will come back to an individual with a counteroffer when they put in their resignation. In my opinion, it is never a good idea to take a counteroffer for the following reasons:
VALUE: If your organization offers you more money to stay, why was your value not perceived to be at this level previously? This boost in pay is unlikely to change your happiness. Remember, your role isn’t changing.
LOYALTY: Your organization now knows you are not loyal. Are they offering you a compensation bump to keep you around until they find your replacement? It’s quite possible.
FIT: If cultural fit was your primary driver for looking for a new position in the first place, the culture remains the same, even with a bigger paycheck.
LIFESTYLE: If commute was your reason for leaving, a boost in pay will help defray your commute costs, but it will not give you the time you were looking to gain.
MANAGEMENT: Finally, your manager, which 50% of people cited as their #1 reason for looking in the Gallup poll, is not changing unless you were also offered a new role under new supervisor, along with a raise.
Don’t waiver on the decision to make a move. Recognize the underlying reasons for unhappiness in the first place and acknowledge that a change was attempted to improve the situation, within ones’ control, prior to launching the job search. Make your resignation non-negotiable. The new role is likely better aligned with your goals and will propel your career forward. When you make a decision to leave, leave.
Have questions about navigating these muddy waters? Reach out to me on LinkedIn or at mshapiro@prsgllc.com.
About the author
Melissa Shapiro
Recruiting Director
Melissa Shapiro has been guiding professionals through the job search process since 2005. As Recruiting Director at PRSG®, she partners closely with both clients and candidates to match top talent with the right opportunities. Before joining PRSG®, Melissa spent nine years in career management, advising master’s-level business students across various MBA and specialized master’s programs. Earlier in her career, she gained experience in the financial services and retail industries. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Finance, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.