Accepting a counter offer...

[DaNd4Speed]

I'm not one to post about my personal life, but I feel compelled to present my current dillema.

I'm a Design Engineer for a manufacturing facility. I've worked for this company for nearly 4 years now. At first, the job was exciting..but this past year has been slow for me. I've had my mind set on the future and want more from my profession. I'd like to make more money (who doesn't?), but I also admire people who are above me and hold more responsibility. So I put my resume on Monster.com and low and behold I have a slew of interviews through various employment agencies.

Last week I accepted a position to work as a Senior Applications Engineer for a more profitable company. The pay is significantly better, and so is my title. They will also offer tuition reimbursement if I go for my MBA...so there's my "in" if I want a managerial position in the future.

Well today was the day I tendered my resignation to my boss. He of course was disappointed to hear the news, but understood my situation. He then proceeds to tell me that he was going to announce to our department in a week that he was going to supervise the production floor, and that his job was going to be available. He told me that he was considering me as his replacement! He was upset that I didn't come to him first before accepting the offer..but then again what kind of leverage does that give me? He told me to give him 2 days to come up with something better to offer me.

Now I was already warned by my recruiter of counter offers..and oh how my career will be an utter mess if I accept it...But I honestly think if my boss comes back to me and offers me his own job, and even more money it'll be tough not to turn down. I could ask for something in writing which will give me more peace of mind.

Either way, I have the upper hand no matter what happens. Worst case I leave my current company and still move on to something better.

Who here has accepted a counter offer, and benefited from it? Cause I really think my recruiter is out only for me to make a move so he can get his commission. Is it really as bad as they make it out to be?

Thanks! :SNSign:

 

[Kilgore Trout]

recruiters (any kind) = car salesmen

 

[Mustang5L5]

recruiters (any kind) = car salesmen

Basically. I avoid them at all costs. I've used them and that's the EXACT feeling i get. They just want to put people into a job so they can get paid. 3/4 of the jobs recruiters proposed to me weren't even close to anything i wanted to do.

 

[01Steeda]

he is out of his mind.. how would you accepting a counter offer "ruin" your career. all it does is look like you got promoted on your resume next time.

 

[Mustang225]

Considering the counter offer might be a promotion and more money, I would lean that way. Then again, depends on how much more. Try to get them to pay for your MBA also.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The only thing accepting the counter would ruin is his commission

He is putting his finder's fee ahead of your career.

 

[DaNd4Speed]

This was the e-mail I received from my recruiter. By the way, if you google search "counter offers" you'll see that most links tell you that this is a bad move...but then again they're written mostly by recruiters.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Counteroffer Acceptance
Road to Career Ruin
A raise won’t permanently cushion thorns in the nest


By Paul Hawkinson

Mathew Henry, the 17th-century writer said, “Many dangerous temptation comes to us in fine gay colours that are but shin deep.” The same can be said for counteroffers, those magnetic enticements designed to lure you back into the nest after you decided it’s time to fly away.

The litany of horror stories I have come across in my years as an executive recruiter, consultant and publisher, provides a litmus test that clearly indicates counteroffers should never be accepted…EVER!

I define a counteroffer simply as an inducement from your current employer to get you to stay after you’ve announces your intention to take another job. We’re not talking about those instances when you receive an offer but don’t tell your boss. Nor are we discussing offers that you never intended to take, yet tell your employer about anyway as a “they-want-me-but-I’m-staying-with-you” ploy.

These are merely astute positioning tactics you may choose to use to reinforce your worth by letting your boss know you have other options. Mention of a true counteroffer, however, carries an actual threat to quit.

Interviews with employers who make counteroffers,and employees who accept them, have shown that as tempting as they may be, acceptance may cause career suicide. During the past 20 years, I have seen only isolated incidents in which an accepted counteroffer has benefited the employee. Consider the problem in its proper perspective.

Mr. Hawkinson is publisher of the Fordyce Letter, a monthly Missouri-based newsletter for the personnel executive search and employment counseling fields. He was for- merly an executive recruiter and consultant.
What really goes through a boss’s mind when someone quits?

• “This couldn’t be happening at a worse time.”
• “This is one of my best people. If I let him quit now, it’ll wreak havoc on the morale of the department.”
• “I’ve already got one opening in my department. I don’t need another right now.”
• This will probably screw up the entire vacation schedule.”
• If I lose another good employee, the company might decide to ‘lose’ me too.”
• “My review is coming up and this will make me look bad.”
• “Maybe I can keep him on until I find a suitable replacement.”

What will the boss say to keep you in the nest? Some of these comments are common.

• “I’m really shocked. I thought you were as happy with us as we are with you. Let’s discuss it before you make your final decision.”
• “Aw, gee, I’ve been meaning to tell you about the great plans we have for you, but it’s been confidential until; now.”
• “The V.P. has you in mind for some exciting and expanding responsibilities.”
• “Your raise was scheduled to go into effect next quarter, but we’ll make it effective immediately.”
• “You’re going to work for who?”

Let’s face it. When someone quits, it’s a direct reflection on the boss. Unless you’re really imcompetent or a destructive thorn in his side, the boss might look bad by “allowing” you to go. His gut reaction is to do what has to be done to keep you from leaving until he’s ready. That’s human nature.

Unfortunately, it’s also human nature to want to stay unless your work life is abject misery. Career changes, like all ventures into the unknown, are tough. That’s why bosses know they can usually keep you around by pressing the right buttons.
Before you succumb to a tempting counteroffer, consider these universal truths:

• Any situation in which an employee is forced to get an outside offer before the present employer will suggest a raise, promotion or better working conditions, is suspect.
• No matter what the company says when making its counteroffer, you will always be considered a fidelity risk. Having once demonstrated your lack of loyalty (for whatever reason), you will lose your stature as a “team player” and your place in the inner circle.
• Counteroffers are usually nothing more than stall devices to give your employer time to replace you.
• Your reasons for wanting to leave still exist. Conditions are just made a bit more tolerable in the short term because if the raise, promotion or promises made to keep you.
• Counteroffers are only made in response to a threat to quit. Will you have to solicit an offer and threaten to quit every time you deserve better working conditions?
• Decentand well-managed companies don’t make counteroffers…EVER! Their policies are fair and equitable. They will not be subjected to “counteroffer coercion” or what they perceive as blackmail.

If the urge to accept a counteroffer hits you, keep on cleaning out your desks as you count your blessings………………………..•

 

[sbc44]

I would walk away and take the job that you've been offered, especially after you've already accepted it. That was sort of the risk you were taking when you decided to put your resume on monster, and it does sound fishy that he tells you this only after you give him your resignation. Either one probably wouldn't be a terible decision, but since you've committed to it already I would just move on with the next chapter of your life.

 

[Mustang225]

This was the e-mail I received from my recruiter. By the way, if you google search "counter offers" you'll see that most links tell you that this is a bad move...but then again they're written mostly by recruiters.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Counteroffer Acceptance
Road to Career Ruin
A raise won’t permanently cushion thorns in the nest


By Paul Hawkinson

Mathew Henry, the 17th-century writer said, “Many dangerous temptation comes to us in fine gay colours that are but shin deep.” The same can be said for counteroffers, those magnetic enticements designed to lure you back into the nest after you decided it’s time to fly away.

The litany of horror stories I have come across in my years as an executive recruiter, consultant and publisher, provides a litmus test that clearly indicates counteroffers should never be accepted…EVER!

I define a counteroffer simply as an inducement from your current employer to get you to stay after you’ve announces your intention to take another job. We’re not talking about those instances when you receive an offer but don’t tell your boss. Nor are we discussing offers that you never intended to take, yet tell your employer about anyway as a “they-want-me-but-I’m-staying-with-you” ploy.

These are merely astute positioning tactics you may choose to use to reinforce your worth by letting your boss know you have other options. Mention of a true counteroffer, however, carries an actual threat to quit.

Interviews with employers who make counteroffers,and employees who accept them, have shown that as tempting as they may be, acceptance may cause career suicide. During the past 20 years, I have seen only isolated incidents in which an accepted counteroffer has benefited the employee. Consider the problem in its proper perspective.

Mr. Hawkinson is publisher of the Fordyce Letter, a monthly Missouri-based newsletter for the personnel executive search and employment counseling fields. He was for- merly an executive recruiter and consultant.
What really goes through a boss’s mind when someone quits?

• “This couldn’t be happening at a worse time.”
• “This is one of my best people. If I let him quit now, it’ll wreak havoc on the morale of the department.”
• “I’ve already got one opening in my department. I don’t need another right now.”
• This will probably screw up the entire vacation schedule.”
• If I lose another good employee, the company might decide to ‘lose’ me too.”
• “My review is coming up and this will make me look bad.”
• “Maybe I can keep him on until I find a suitable replacement.”

What will the boss say to keep you in the nest? Some of these comments are common.

• “I’m really shocked. I thought you were as happy with us as we are with you. Let’s discuss it before you make your final decision.”
• “Aw, gee, I’ve been meaning to tell you about the great plans we have for you, but it’s been confidential until; now.”
• “The V.P. has you in mind for some exciting and expanding responsibilities.”
• “Your raise was scheduled to go into effect next quarter, but we’ll make it effective immediately.”
• “You’re going to work for who?”

Let’s face it. When someone quits, it’s a direct reflection on the boss. Unless you’re really imcompetent or a destructive thorn in his side, the boss might look bad by “allowing” you to go. His gut reaction is to do what has to be done to keep you from leaving until he’s ready. That’s human nature.

Unfortunately, it’s also human nature to want to stay unless your work life is abject misery. Career changes, like all ventures into the unknown, are tough. That’s why bosses know they can usually keep you around by pressing the right buttons.
Before you succumb to a tempting counteroffer, consider these universal truths:

• Any situation in which an employee is forced to get an outside offer before the present employer will suggest a raise, promotion or better working conditions, is suspect.
• No matter what the company says when making its counteroffer, you will always be considered a fidelity risk. Having once demonstrated your lack of loyalty (for whatever reason), you will lose your stature as a “team player” and your place in the inner circle.
• Counteroffers are usually nothing more than stall devices to give your employer time to replace you.
• Your reasons for wanting to leave still exist. Conditions are just made a bit more tolerable in the short term because if the raise, promotion or promises made to keep you.
• Counteroffers are only made in response to a threat to quit. Will you have to solicit an offer and threaten to quit every time you deserve better working conditions?
• Decentand well-managed companies don’t make counteroffers…EVER! Their policies are fair and equitable. They will not be subjected to “counteroffer coercion” or what they perceive as blackmail.

If the urge to accept a counteroffer hits you, keep on cleaning out your desks as you count your blessings………………………..•

This sounds like a "form" counter offer letter that he keeps on his PC for times like this.

 

[black_96_GT]

Recruiters are out to make money, they do this by filling positions. If he doesn't fill a position he doesn't get paid. So I would be wary of taking his advice, it is like info on the net, some is good most is bad.

As for your boss, I'm sure it would not look good for him if you were to leave. So getting something in writing is a good idea. Just because it is in writing does not make it legal. If your supervisor(s) know you are looking for something better it would probably be a good idea to leave. They may feel you do not support the company and promote someone else.

 

[Crzyhrse]

You've got hand. (Seinfeld)

 

[jstreet0204]

The only thing accepting the counter would ruin is his commission

He is putting his finder's fee ahead of your career.

I aboely agree with this. I'm in the IT field and have dealt with many recruiters. I've had one try to talk me into turning down 20k in severence pay in plus an aditional two months of my salary if I stayed with a company that had been bought out, and I stayed around for the knowledge transfer.

 

[damacman]

Assuming the counter - offer from your current employer is competitive, consider the following benefits of staying:

1. You have almost four years history with them - this is a very attractive thing for lenders, as they like to see consistency. Decide to buy a new house, and this could be a really good asset.
2. You already know the gig - your learning curve will be small and you'll be in the zone in no time.
3. You WON'T be the FNG.
4. Vacation time is typically a function of length of employment. Given your tenure, it's likely that you have earned more vacation time than the new employer will offer you. Of course, you can always negotiate this with a new employer.

My .02