Counter-Offers: Tempting, But Are They Worth It?
You’ve just handed in your resignation — and suddenly, your boss wants to talk.
There’s more money on the table.
Maybe even a new title.
A promise that “things will change.”
It’s a classic move — and it usually comes with a familiar stat:
“80% of people who accept a counter-offer leave within 6 months.”
But is it true? Honestly… who knows? It sounds believable, but solid data is hard to find.
So let’s ignore the stat for a second, and focus on what really matters:
Should you take the counter-offer?
Why Did It Take You Resigning for Them to Notice?
If you weren’t getting promoted, recognised, or fairly paid before…
what’s going to change now?
Counter-offers often show that the company can make the effort —
but only when they feel the pressure.
That’s not a culture of growth. That’s damage control.
What’s Actually Being Offered?
Is it just more money?
Or are they addressing the real reasons you were ready to leave?
More cash doesn’t fix:
A toxic manager
A team with no progression
Long hours with no flexibility
Feeling undervalued or unheard
What Was Driving You to Leave in the First Place?
Was it:
Better career opportunities?
Work-life balance?
A fresh environment?
Stronger leadership?
If the new offer you had lined up genuinely excited you — and solved those issues — then a last-minute raise probably isn’t enough.
✅ When a Counter-Offer Might Be Worth It
You might consider staying if:
It’s not just money — and your concerns are being genuinely addressed
Leadership takes ownership of the issues and commits to real change
The new role wasn’t quite right after deeper reflection
But let’s be honest — that’s rare.
🚫 When You Should Probably Walk Away
If:
You’ve already mentally checked out
Nothing is being offered besides a salary bump
The environment isn’t going to improve
You know your growth lies elsewhere
…then staying is just delaying the inevitable.
Final Thought
Counter-offers can feel flattering. But they’re usually a short-term fix, not a long-term solution.
The real question isn’t what’s being offered today.
It’s whether this role — and this company — still aligns with where you’re going.
Trust your gut. And trust your goals.