​At the end of the day, there’s a reason that you were exploring the job market. If you’ve made the effort to reach out, apply, interview and accept a job offer (which let’s face it, isn’t the most enjoyable of routines) you must have been pretty set on starting afresh. 

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More often than not, you’ll receive a counter offer. But as Hays reported last year, accepting it is rarely the best career move. 

 “In a survey of 2752 organisations in Australia and New Zealand, the staff that received counter offers, 46% left anyway, 4% stayed less than three months, 21% stayed between three and 12 months, and just 29% stayed longer than 12 months”. Hays 2016 Salary Guide

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Here are 7 obvious reasons why you shouldn’t accept a counter offer: 

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1) Your Career Needs to Move Forward

Whether you’re looking for better financial incentives, a new social dynamic, or you’re just generally getting a bit bored; it’s inevitable you’ll need to take the next step in your career. 

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2) You Were Obviously Unhappy

Think about why you applied for that job in the first place, or accepting that recruiters invite to “have a chat”. Happy people at work don’t do that. 

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3) Did Your Company Value You in the First Place?

Be careful not to be flattered by the promise of a payrise. Think about where this money is going to come from, were you due a pay rise anyway? This might just be an indication that you were underpaid in the first instance.

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4) Your Loyalty Will Now Always be in Question

People will now know that you aren’t 100% loyal to the company. If times are hard, you might be the first one out. Everyone will know that your loyalty was bought. 

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5) You’ll Probably Leave Anyway

As outlined in Hays’ report, there’s a high chance you’ll leave your job role in the following 6 months, even after accepting the counter offer. 

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6) Do They Really Want You? 

The thought of recruiting, interviewing and inducting someone new can be daunting. Are you sure they’re keen to keep you for the right reasons and their promises aren’t hollow in an attempt to avoid the recruitment process?

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7) Engagement and Motivation are Low

Accepting a counter offer can often lead to a demotivated work ethic. A financial incentive doesn’t often mean an enthused workforce; if you were demotivated before, be sure it’s not going to get much better. 

Ultimately, every situation is unique. Who’s to say accepting the counter offer won’t lead to something amazing. However, the statistics suggest that the opposite is the norm. Just consider your original reasons for leaving, and if these will still stand if you accept the offer. 

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