Six Reasons to Accept a Counteroffer Instead of Quitting

When the offer comes with professional growth 

Is your current employer also presenting you with a genuine offer of professional growth? This commitment goes beyond dollars and cents—it shows that they recognize your value and are willing to invest in your development. If you’re confident you’ll receive a promotion, additional responsibilities, or access to opportunities that align with your long-term career aspirations, then give some thought to the counteroffer as part of that commitment.

When the money is part of a substantial package 

Another way your boss may try change your mind is to include better benefits and incentives with the increased compensation. This could take the form of a car allowance or remote work option to ease your commute, more vacation days or a gym membership to improve your well-being, a one-time bonus or performance reward scheme to supplement your income, or even a financial stake in the success of the company. Would any of those perks assuage your reasons for quitting your current job?

When you’ve developed strong personal connections 

Don’t be quick to discount the stable workplace relationships you built over time—it may be hard to recreate those bonds when starting over from scratch at a new place. Positive feelings toward colleagues, managers, or mentors are a big part of job satisfaction, a productive work environment, and a sense of belonging.

When you feel like they can hear you now 

Have you been open and transparent about your workplace issues in the past, but nothing’s ever come of it? Maybe when they find out you’ve got a solid offer somewhere else, they’ll finally start taking your concerns seriously. Be sure they know you expect concrete actions to be taken on better work-life balance, more challenging projects, or improved working conditions—whatever it was you were lacking—or you’ll start looking at the door again.

When you’re not really ready to break up 

Is it possible you’re being tempted by a rebound job? Are you giving up something with the potential to be great for the nearest enticing opportunity? Stop and think of your job like a life partner. If you haven’t put in the effort to fix what’s wrong and you’re not emotionally prepared to move on, you could just be setting yourself up for another unhealthy relationship. Your current boss’s counteroffer could represent a sincere desire to change. (It could also be a last-ditch effort to avoid having to replace you, in which case you might both end up resentful.) Careers, like love, are rarely easy.

When the offer’s just too good to refuse 

Of course, all other things being equal, if your boss comes back with an amazing raise that you’d never find anywhere else at your career level, then, by all means, accept it! How can you know for sure how you compare to the competition in your area? By assessing the market value of your skills and experience based on what people are earning for similar positions. The more you know.

Deciding whether or not to accept a counteroffer (and everything that comes with it) has to be done thoughtfully and with great care to make sure it aligns with your long-term career goals and personal circumstances. Be ready beforehand by knowing your worth, both in terms of money and career goals.