You’ve just handed in your resignation, and suddenly, your employer comes back with a counteroffer—more money, a better title, or improved benefits. It’s tempting, right? But before you say yes, take a step back and really think it through. Here’s why accepting a counteroffer is rarely a good idea.

1. Why Were You Looking in the First Place?

Think back to why you started job searching. Was it the lack of growth? A toxic culture? Feeling undervalued? Higher pay might temporarily mask these issues, but it won’t fix them. In most cases, the reasons you wanted to leave will still be there six months down the line.

2. It’s a Short-Term Fix for Your Employer, Not You

A counteroffer is usually a reactive move to buy time. Statistics show that most employees who accept counteroffers leave within a year anyway—either because the same frustrations resurface or because their employer starts looking for a replacement on their own terms.

3. The Trust is Broken

Your employer is making this offer not because they suddenly see your worth but because they don’t want the hassle of replacing you. If they truly valued you, they would have given you that raise or promotion before you decided to leave. The reality is, they now see you as a flight risk, and the trust in your long-term commitment is gone.

4. Your Future Could Be at Risk

Once you accept a counteroffer, your job security may actually decrease. Your employer now knows you were willing to leave, which could put you at risk if cutbacks or restructures happen. Instead of being seen as a loyal team member, you might be labelled as a retention risk.

5. The Best Move is Forward, Not Backward

You went through the effort of interviewing and securing a new role for a reason. If you were excited enough to accept that new job, why let your current employer derail your progress? The best opportunities come when you embrace change, not when you cling to familiarity out of fear.

Final Thought

A counteroffer might seem like a win in the moment, but it’s often a short-lived solution to deeper issues. If you were ready to move on, trust that instinct. The right employer won’t need a resignation letter to recognise your value.