[Herbieherb]

Hey Guys,

Need some advice. What’s your take on counter offers?

Basically after I passed CPA, got licensed, 6 weeks later I found a new job, and my current employers counter offered me with a big salary increase and promotion to Assistant Controller…New job has much better benefits and 9-5 hours. Anyone ever stay with a company after they counter offered and not get burned?

Thanks

NEW YORK- DONE

[SusanStudies]

Herbieherb: I think it is nice your current employer wants you to stay with them that they offered you more pay and a higher position. However, it is possible your current employer may now question your loyalty and that could come back to bite you. Likewise, you might question their motivation for waiting until you had another job offer on the table to promote you.

Personally, I’ve never played one company against the next. However, I know people that have and in the long-run, they have regretted their decision to stay in their current job. You have to determine if it is merely the pay that would keep you there or if the work is something you would like to do. There is a reason you sought a job elsewhere so maybe you should stick with that.

Tough decision!

AUD: 07/11/11 - Passed
BEC: 08/27/11 - Passed
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REG: 04/30/12; Re-take 7/16/12 - Passed

FINISHED!!!!!!!!

[Mmilito]

Someone said it best when he said “always be nice to people because your gonna see them on the way up and you'll see them on the way down”. I think rejecting the new company may burn some bridges and remember it is a small world. I personally believe that you should take the position in the new company because if the company that offered you the promotion is only doing it to make sure you don't leave, you have to truly question whether you would be happy there. If you were looking for a new job all along, you have to ask yourself why take all this time to look for one just to keep going where im at.

FAR 92
AUD 91
BEC 11/06/2011
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[tulip]

That's really tough with the promotion. However, my practical rule is to never look back once you've told a company you are leaving.

The people I know who have taken their companies' counter-offers have later regretted it.

If you stay where you are, you definitely risk playing the “what if” game for the remainder of your time there. Every time your boss upsets you, every time you are forced to work late when you weren't anticipating it….

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FAR - 10/28/2010 - 82
AUD - 11/04/2010 - 73; 02/18/2011 - 86 - IT'S OVER!!!!!!
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[WhyMe23]

I would leave if I were you, counteroffers are never a good idea. I went through the same thing about 6 months ago and I initially wanted to stay after the counter but ultimately I had to make the best decision long term so I left.

B - 85 (5/31/11)
A - 93 (7/1/11)
R - 87 (7/29/11)
F - 77 (8/31/11)

[Anonymous]

Good post! I've never been in that situation, but I think you've received some good advice. Good luck with your decision.

[jelly]

Too bad, so sad, for your current place. Just leave, b/c yes, they're always going to be questioning your loyalty, and counteroffers simply reflect poor management practices and worker retention.

Couldn't pass again!

[Peanut]

Herbie weren't you not happy at your current place, if I remember from other postings? Some people say the grass isn't always greener… but how would you know if you don't try! 😀

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[Anonymous]

I guess I would wonder why you decided to look elsewhere for a new job instead of looking for a promotion/raise at your current location first? Its not uncommon at all for current employers to counter offer if they really want to keep you, and actually its quite a big complement to you. I can't see why there would be bad blood if you decided to stay at your current location. Its natural to look to increase your salary or position after obtaining a big milestone like the CPA.

Ultimately, you just have to pick which ever job makes you happier and has the things that are most important to you. Do you want the regular 9-5, better benefits, and maybe the excitement of a new location? Or do you want the higher salary, higher position, comfort of being in the same place, etc.

[Herbieherb]

hey guys thanks for all the opinions. I'm going to decline the counter offer and go for the new position. There are many reasons why I was looking for a job in the first place…bottom line is the company will still be the same, and I do want something new and challenging :). 9-5, no weekends will allow me to do tax work on the side at nights and on weekends if I choose to.

NEW YORK- DONE

[Author]

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