The old saying, ‘Don’t let your heart rule your mind,’ is much easier to say than do. But the fact remains your needs are not being satisfied. Sure, the company has helped you progress professionally; sure, you’ve made many new friends; sure, you even feel comfortable because you can handle the job well. However, as soon as you thought about changing jobs you consciously or sub-consciously decided the firm cannot or will not meet your requirements.
Top executives agree that the days of the gold watch for 30 years of faithful service are gone. In fact, experience at several good companies is considered an asset because your horizons are expanded. Today, changing jobs is a necessity if you expect your career to grow.
Let’s face it, it is natural to resist change and avoid disruption, and your present employment is no exception. If you’re doing a good job your employer will not want to lose you and you can expect a counter offer even though you have accepted a job elsewhere. You’ll be enticed with more money; you may get, or at least be promised, a promotion. The appeal will be emotional in nature and there will be an apology made in the form of not knowing of your dissatisfaction. Your boss may even enlist a senior director or the chief executive officer (CEO) to help convince you that you are making a mistake by leaving.
Counter offer implications
A counter offer can be very flattering. Your emotions may be swayed, you are going to be tempted to stay; nerves will set in – that apprehension of change will urge you to reconsider your decision. Accept the counter offer only if you can answer ‘no’ to all of the following:
Did I make the decision to seek other employment because I felt a new environment would provide me with the opportunity to enhance my career?
If I decided to stay after giving my notice, will my loyalty be suspect and affect my chance for advancement in the future?
If my loyalty is questioned, is there the possibility that I will be an early lay-off if business slows down?
The raise they are offering me to stay – is it just my annual review coming early?
The raise I was offered is above the guidelines for my job. Does this mean they are ‘buying time’ until a replacement can be found within the acceptable compensation guidelines for my job?
I got the counter offer because I resigned. Will I always have to threaten to quit each time I want to advance?
Logic must prevail
As a professional, your career decisions must be made objectively; free of the emotional pressures you are likely to experience. Others will try to influence you but sometimes only you know things are not right and will not get better. How do you explain a ‘gut feeling’? Are you expecting your company to be sorry to see you leave and to make some attempt to keep you? Their response should be considered flattering but should be seriously questioned.
It’s up to you to end your relationship as professionally as you began it. Write a letter that expresses your appreciation for the opportunity and tell them you enjoyed your relationship but that your decision is final. Put it in your own words and either mail it personally or hand it to your immediate manager. Be pleasant but firm. Your new employer is anxious to have you start your new role, so remember, two weeks notice is almost always sufficient.
A counter offer is really a belated confirmation of the contributions you have made. Move ahead to your new job knowing you’ve made the right decision. After all, if you don’t look after your future, who will?
Munir Mamujee is director of m2r Ltd
