Counter Offers in Chicago's Insurance Industry
Whether you’re not happy in your existing position or have maxed out your earning potential, job changes are a fact of life – now more than ever.
Consider this: You went on an interview and things went well. You’ve got an offer that you’re happy with and now it’s time to give your current employer two-week notice. Next thing you know, you’re sitting in your current boss’s office and they’re telling you they don’t want you to leave – asking what it will take to get you to stay.
As a general rule, the answer should be a respectful, “Thank you but no. It’s time for me to move on.”
Ok. So, why turn down a generous raise, new office, extra PTO, or any number of potential perks or job titles to stay where you’re at? Because it likely won’t last. The honeymoon was already over.
Here are some of the things to think about when entertaining a counter offer:
Counter offers often come as a knee jerk reaction. A need to keep a person in that role. In many employer’s opinions, this is a temporary fix to a longer term problem – finding a less costly and less disenchanted replacement for you
Your coworkers know what just went down. Some may view it as a salary grab or a way to skip ahead in line. Beyond that, they know you were on your way out the door but are still there –potential for tense coworker interaction is high.
Whatever non-monetary reasons led you to seek new opportunities, do not kid yourself that those issues will magically go away. Even when employers pledge to make changes, keep in mind that they’ve been doing things a certain way for a long time and changing an organization is much harder than replacing a single employee
When a potential new employer puts forth time effort and expense to get to know you, introduce you to the team, and set up the physical / operational tools for you to integrate with their organization, it’s no small undertaking. Once an offer is accepted (signed or verbal), there is an expectation that a deal has been struck. Reversing that decision usually closes the door with that employer forever.
Lastly, the process of giving notice and negotiating to remain will absolutely impact future promotions, salary increases, and leave you more vulnerable in any downsizing activities.
Switching employers is something that should be well thought through from start to finish. If you’re not 100% committed to starting a new endeavor, best to not even start the process.
When you’re ready to make a move; prepare thoroughly, act purposefully, find that next step in your career, and wish your current employer the best in their future endeavors. Better to leave positively than to stay uneasily.