Resignation and the Counter-Offer: Should I stay or should I go?

So, the time has come to hand in your resignation. It’s been playing on your mind for quite a while now and after much thought you’ve decided that your current position no longer offers you the career that you want. You’ve worked hard to find your next role, and after successfully completing a number of interview stages you’ve secured the right opportunity with a new firm. You feel excited about the future and your new role, but understandably slightly apprehensive about resigning. This is only natural. No one like delivering bad news, after all it’s not something you intend to do often and having been a significant team player of the firm, you feel a sense of loyalty to your fellow colleagues and managers. How do you go about it? You’ve plucked up the courage to arrange that meeting with your boss in order to explain your situation and your reasons behind wanting to move on. Then your boss hits you with this: 1. The promotion you’ve been after

2. A generous pay-rise; and/or

3. The promise to grow your career further and faster than the firm you have the offer from. It’s like all your dreams have come true, right? As flattering as this is, you need to think if this is really a step in the right direction. Why is it that it’s taken your boss until now to view you as a really valued member of the firm, on the same day that you announce your resignation? Has your boss got your best interests at heart, or is the cost (both metaphorically and literally) of losing you playing on their mind?

It’s also natural to want to stay within your comfort zone. Change can often scare the best of us at times, so accepting that counter offer may seem like the right choice. But in six months’ time, will you be feeling the same as you are now? Statistics gathered by the National Employment Association confirm that over 80% of employees who accept a counter offer, leave that same firm six months later. During this time, it’s important to reflect on how your counter offer may affect you… 1. “I’ve already made the decision to leave because my new role offered me the opportunity to grow, am I confident that if I stay in my current position, my situation will improve?” 2. “If I stay, will it affect my relationship with my managers and colleagues in the future?” 3. “Will my future progression with the company be limited? What will I have to do the next time I think I’m ready for a promotion?” Top Tips for you to consider: Do keep your end goal in sight. Remind yourself why you wanted to leave in the first place. Write down your reasons and read over them when you feel pressured or uncertain. Don't buy into the emotion. This is a business decision, a career decision and a new journey for you. Don't let guilt, blame or persuasion divert your decision. Stay professional and in control of the situation. For further information and impartial advice: Please call: 0370 240 1010 Speak to one our experienced consultants: Charles Magill Tim Bates Visit our website: http://www.adlestropconsulting.com/home

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