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It should come as no surprise that you will, at some point in your career, be faced with a “counter” scenario.

 

In today’s competitive job market, the counteroffer has almost become synonymous with the resignation process. But while it may be tempting to weigh your options—particularly if a long-awaited raise or promotion is being promised—it is best to keep in mind the inherent risks of your decision to stay.

 

One of the major pitfalls of accepting a counteroffer is a loss of credibility.

 

As we all know, trust is the foundation of good business relationships. When that trust is lost, it is hard to gain back. You most certainly will never get it back from the firm that was planning on hiring you. What many candidates don’t realize, however, is that the damage often extends beyond a rescinded job offer and some burnt bridges.

 

By placing your boss in a position where they are forced to make you an offer you can’t refuse, it is bound to leave a sour taste in their mouth. In fact, nearly 80 percent of business executives said they no longer considered an employee trustworthy after they took a counter, according to a recent study published in the Harvard Business Review.

 

This loss of trust will ultimately stifle your career. Your boss may think twice about promoting you or placing you on a high-profile project, because they are worried you may jump at the next offer that comes your way. It is no wonder then that most employees who take a counteroffer are back on the job market in six months to a year.

 

Before you decide to leave your current company, there are some things you should consider. If your main motivation for leaving is money, then it is best to have a discussion with your employer first to see whether a raise is a possibility. There will always be firms willing to pay you more, but not every firm will be able to offer you a potentially career leveraging opportunity.

 

This applies to your current employer as well. A counteroffer will not create opportunities where there are none to begin with nor will it resolve issues at your current workplace that are inhibiting your growth.

 

So, if you decide that it is time for you and your current company to part ways, it is best to make a clean break and move on.

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