You are considering a change because your
present position and/or company doesn't offer the potential for growth you
seek. You have looked at your decision for change both logically and
emotionally, and it's the emotional decision that is the hardest. But the
fact remains, your needs are not being satisfied! Sure, the company has
helped you progress professionally; sure, you've made many friends; sure,
you can even feel comfortable because you can handle the job well.
However, as you're reading this, your objectives and goals are secondary
to those of the company, and always remain that way.
Top executives agree that the days of the gold watch for
30 years of faithful service are gone. 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 are 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. So long as
you haven't started the new position, the company and your boss are going
to woo you. Your boss may even enlist the senior management staff of the
company to help convince you that you're making a mistake.
You will hear the following in some form or another:
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We have plans for you that will come to fruition
the first
of next month." |
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I shouldn't do
this, but I'm going to let you in on some confidential information. Our company is reorganizing and it will mean a significant promotion for you within six months." |
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We'll match your
new offer and even better it by "x" percent. This raise was supposed to go into effect next month anyways, but because of your fine record, we'll start it immediately." |
A counter offer can be a very flattering experience:
Your emotions may be swayed; you may be tempted to stay; "buyer's
remorse" will set in, urging you to reconsider your decision. Accept
the counter offer only if you can answer "no" to all of the
following questions:
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Did I make the right
decision to seek other employment because I felt a new environment provide me with the opportunity to enhance my career? |
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If I decide to stay after giving notice, will my loyalty be suspect and will that affect my chance
of advancement in the future? |
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If my loyalty is questioned, is there the possibility
that I will be an early layoff or be terminated as business slows down? |
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Is the raise they're offering me to stay just my annual review coming early? |
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I got the counter offer because I resigned. Will I always have to threaten to quit each time in order to advance? |
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 if things
are not right and will not get better. How do you explain a "gut
feeling"? Are you expecting your company to feel sorry to see you
leave and to make some attempt to keep you? Their response should be
considered flattering, but it may be beset with pitfalls too numerous to
risk.
It is up to you to end your relationship as
professionally as you began it. Write a letter expressing your thanks for
the opportunity they extended and telling them you have enjoyed your
relationship, but that your decision is irrevocable. Put it in your own
words and either mail it or personally hand it to your immediate
supervisor. Be pleasant but firm. Your new employer is anxious to have you
start, so two weeks' notice with your current employer is almost always
sufficient.
A counter offer is really a belated confirmation of the
contributions you've 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?
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