Comment Answer: It depends. (Score 1) 1048
As one who *has* accepted a counter offer, it really does depend. In my case, I was given a "unheardof" 14% raise (actually, not much given that I should've been put into a different "position"... help desk != unix admin). I voiced that opinion and was told "you're free to seek employment elsewhere if you think you can do better". I resigned the next morning (had an offer letter from a consulting firm for 2x my new salary.
My employer countered with a really significant raise. Since the consulting firm said "the job will be here whenever you're ready" (yes, I trusted them) and since I had stuff I wanted to complete at my current job (not to mention that I was too broke to move for the consulting job). I accepted.
However, 6 months later, I took the consulting position.
That said, I accepted the counter knowing full well that I wouldn't stay permanently. (When I resigned the second time I gave them significantly more notice than the 2 weeks I had given them the first time around).
Certain points do apply:
1. If they think you're that valuable now, and weren't going to give it to you without the threat of leaving, you were being screwed.
2. Most employees who accept a counter won't be around 6-12 months later. Generally because money is almost _never_ the entire reason people leave a job. (There is usually some other reason, money is only part of it). Most employers know this fact also (that's why many will NEVER make a counteroffer).
My employer countered with a really significant raise. Since the consulting firm said "the job will be here whenever you're ready" (yes, I trusted them) and since I had stuff I wanted to complete at my current job (not to mention that I was too broke to move for the consulting job). I accepted.
However, 6 months later, I took the consulting position.
That said, I accepted the counter knowing full well that I wouldn't stay permanently. (When I resigned the second time I gave them significantly more notice than the 2 weeks I had given them the first time around).
Certain points do apply:
1. If they think you're that valuable now, and weren't going to give it to you without the threat of leaving, you were being screwed.
2. Most employees who accept a counter won't be around 6-12 months later. Generally because money is almost _never_ the entire reason people leave a job. (There is usually some other reason, money is only part of it). Most employers know this fact also (that's why many will NEVER make a counteroffer).
