You’ve been through interviews, landed a role you’re excited about, and now it’s time to hand in your notice. But here’s the tricky part: your current employer may try to pull you back with a tempting counter offer.

• A pay rise or promotion may be offered.

• Promises to fix frustrations, lack of support, or career progression.

• Sudden incentives to make you stay.

Sounds appealing, right? But here’s the reality: leopards don’t change their spots, and most companies don’t either.

What Counter Offers Really Mean

While things may improve temporarily, the underlying issues that made you consider leaving are unlikely to disappear:

• Support problems remain.

• Career progression may stall again.

• Workload and pay may revert to old patterns.

Accepting a counter offer often delays the inevitable, rather than solving the core problems.

Handling Notice Professionally

When handing in your notice:

• Be respectful: leave on good terms to maintain professional relationships.

• Be firm: make it clear that your decision is final and for the benefit of your career.

• Avoid lengthy negotiations: you’ve made your choice, and it’s best to stick to it.

Key Takeaways

• Counter offers can be tempting but rarely solve long-term issues.

• Focus on your career growth, not short-term perks.

• Professional, respectful departures protect your network and reputation.

If you want to talk further about counter offers or navigating career moves, I’m always here for a chat.