Accepted job offer and turned down counter offer but am unsure I've done the right th

Iwantcoffeenai

I have accepted a job offer for a top PLC that will no doubt be a great opportunity for me. The salary is 4k higher that what I'm currently on plus a 2k bonus at the end of the first year. As I was handing my notice in my current employer offered me a great counter offer to stay. It was 5k higher than my current salary plus a review again in January where it will rise by further 2-3k. He said great things about me to try and keep me. I told him I'd think about it and tell him the next day. I barely slept that night as I found it so hard to come to a decision but I turned it down. It was a tough one. Off the record he told me he would have done the same thing.Over the weekend I have gone over that decision over and over again. I'm not exactly jumping for joy at the prospect of starting the new job. I Will be nervous and unsure if I will settle. Will I be good enough ect? I enjoy my current job and am not under pressure but one of the main reasons I was looking to move on was the fact my salary was poor.Please someone give me some advice. Is it too late to try and change my mind?The opportunity to work for such a large well known company that would do wonders for my CV was another reason for me initially deciding to take the job. I also didn't think I was valued enoughI guess I am a nervous person by nature. I'm just concerned that The new company will be too big for me and I will be out of my depth.

There are always doubts about moving to new companies and positions. Nobody will be expecting you to re-invent the wheel and there will be internal training. Normally you only look elsewhere when you are unhappy in your current role, so while you may have cold feet now, you did go out and look elsewhere because of your unhappiness.

Think of it as a new opportunity rather than being out of your depth, they hired you because they think you will be good at it.

gimli2112

Loyalty's rarely rewarded by employers. Saw an article recently saying that people in the same job for more than two years are significantly underpaid. I think you made the right decision.

gingerpele

It's perfectly normal to be nervous starting a new job particularly if leaving the firm where you trained.

All of the reasons you wanted to leave are still valid. It will be a great opportunity.

Worst case scenario - last a year in the new job and then look for job in firm again. If they rate you now, they'll rate you then. Odds are very strong you never consider going back.

Good luck in your new role.

Wabbit Ears

You regret the things you didn't do and learn from the things you do.

You made the right decision to leave.

Avatar MIA

Iwantcoffeenai wrote: »

Off the record he told me he would have done the same thing.

Take his advice.

Tigger

i think you should stay, same job more money is a great outcome.

wherearewe45

Really depends on your current job, were you only leaving because of the money? Because then the €5k raise solves your problem and if I was in your position I would stay. However, if there are other issues then you should make up a list of pros and cons for your current job and see which one wins out. The other job may look good on a CV but a job that you are happy in is far more valuable to you.

Don't forget, "Devil you know is better than the devil you don't know."

flashforward

Iwantcoffeenai wrote: »

As I was handing my notice in my current employer offered me a great counter offer to stay. It was 5k higher than my current salary plus a review again in January where it will rise by further 2-3k. He said great things about me to try and keep me.

Iwantcoffeenai wrote: »

I also didn't think I was valued enough

This mentality from employers frustrates me. You felt underappreciated, you went out looking for a job, found one and then all of a sudden you're worth 5k more per annum and get patted on the back saying how great you are. If they had shown their appreciation by giving you a 2 or 3 k pay rise you may not have went out looking for another job.

From my experience these types of employers do not change. If you stay with them you will eventually outgrow your new salary/become frustrated and the cycle will repeat. The issue here is the longer you stay with them the older you will get and younger more ambitious people will be getting the PLC jobs ahead of you.

It really depends what you want - easier less stressful work life for less money or a stressful challenging higher paid job...

Rulmeq

There's a general rule that you should never accept a counter offer; there's a few reasons why.

You've already identified one of them - if you were worth 5k more, then why did it take you threatening to leave before they offered it.
The underlying issues that caused you to go looking will still be there (like boyfriends who promise, they never actually change).
Then there's the company's attitude towards you - after all you've shown that you are willing to be "disloyal" to them, so future promotions may not be as forthcoming.

I'm sure there were more reasons, but I can't remember them off the top of my head.

dazberry

I remember reading somewhere that the majority of people who accept counter-offers subsequently leave within a year anyway, so statistically you where right to turn down the offer.

I experienced a similar situation 20 odd years ago and accepted the counter-offer predicated on a number of things including salary. While I did get a large pay increase, anything else that had been agreed were just lies to get me to stay - and I ended up leaving 3 months later anyway.

I would be of the opinion that if you have to use a job offer to get your salary up to a fair level - or can only get to that level by laterally moving to another job - you're better off making the move.

D.

wally1990

Wel you now know that you are appreciated in your current job and have a 5k rise plus a review with potentially more

The other position is a good slalaty jump also but at the end of the the net payment isn't going to be too far apart

So I would look at the following
Potential job satisfaction
Potential progression and future payrises
Benefits e.g. Pension health insurance canteen work hours etc
Obviously the new job is a challenge and a top PLC

You are now in the strongest position with both companies wanting you , if it was me I'd prob decide based on potential progression and future salaries

It is a difficult decision but as I always say go with your gut Instict because it's always right

If you have ANY doubt/concern/apprehension about either one then don't go for it

The new position is a new challenge better income
The old positioned you are valued , will
Have another review

But what would be better for your future (maybe difficult to know with the new job)

Regarding your current position but maybe check and see it is possible to take the 5k rise in the current job and new responsibilities or position ? Better for a CV and it's seen as progression so best of both worlds (rise plus new responsilibities or position )

You have the leverage here so use it to your advantage

Just my input but best of luck your in a great position And should be v happy with yourself

Your clearly valued to the company and by management

Royal Legend

I had something similar a few years ago, got fed up every year fighting for a pay rise. was offered a job with more money and perks, partially accepted but when my then current MD found out it was just money i had the issue with he matched it and I stayed. Did not regret staying, but three years later I did leave and after one in between job ended up at the company that had offered me the job originally. I was then in a stronger position to deal with them, as I knew they both needed and wanted me, got a good deal and ended up working for them for 6 years. p.s. In the space of three years I had 4 offers from the company I used to work for, but i would not contemplate going back, even though this is now a very successful company, I believe you move on and should never go back. The job in between did not work out but I learned a lot from it about myself and what I really wanted.

P.S. for me the money was the small bit, the most important thing is to be able to enjoy your job. I am guessing you have done your homework on this new company and it ticks the boxes, don't be afraid of change, I think if you take this position you will find it will be of benefit whether it works out or not, you said yourself that you are not under pressure in your current job, sounds more likely to me that you feel you need to be challenged. Personally if I felt I was undervalued or under appreciated in my current job I would be gone tomorrow. The job I have had now for the last 7 years is possibly the last job I will ever have and I still have a good few years left

Best of luck whatever you do and please let usknow how you get on one way or another

Iwantcoffeenai

Tigger wrote: »

i think you should stay, same job more money is a great outcome.

The thing is if I change my mind will my current employer accept that? Also i will burn bridges with the new company and the recruitment agency.

Iwantcoffeenai

wherearewe45 wrote: »

Really depends on your current job, were you only leaving because of the money? Because then the €5k raise solves your problem and if I was in your position I would stay. However, if there are other issues then you should make up a list of pros and cons for your current job and see which one wins out. The other job may look good on a CV but a job that you are happy in is far more valuable to you.

Don't forget, "Devil you know is better than the devil you don't know."

I did the whole pros and cons and to be honest it was roughly the same. Money definitely was a big factor. If he had given me the rise before I said to him about the other job I would not have looked for one. There is also a feeling that I am not challenged that much in my current role anymore but is that really a bad thing? I could go to the new job and just not settle at all.

Iwantcoffeenai

Royal Legend wrote: »

I had something similar a few years ago, got fed up every year fighting for a pay rise. was offered a job with more money and perks, partially accepted but when my then current MD found out it was just money i had the issue with he matched it and I stayed. Did not regret staying, but three years later I did leave and after one in between job ended up at the company that had offered me the job originally. I was then in a stronger position to deal with them, as I knew they both needed and wanted me, got a good deal and ended up working for them for 6 years. p.s. In the space of three years I had 4 offers from the company I used to work for, but i would not contemplate going back, even though this is now a very successful company, I believe you move on and should never go back. The job in between did not work out but I learned a lot from it about myself and what I really wanted.

P.S. for me the money was the small bit, the most important thing is to be able to enjoy your job. I am guessing you have done your homework on this new company and it ticks the boxes, don't be afraid of change, I think if you take this position you will find it will be of benefit whether it works out or not, you said yourself that you are not under pressure in your current job, sounds more likely to me that you feel you need to be challenged. Personally if I felt I was undervalued or under appreciated in my current job I would be gone tomorrow. The job I have had now for the last 7 years is possibly the last job I will ever have and I still have a good few years left

Best of luck whatever you do and please let usknow how you get on one way or another

Thanks for your response. Staying at my current job is definitely the more comfortable option but then will I ever get an opportunity to move like this again? It will certainly be a great role to have on my CV like my current boss said off the record. The thing is if I do change my mind how will my boss react now that I have already turned his offer down? I will also but bridges with the other company and the recruitment agency. It all happened so quickly I had the job interview, job offer and counter offer all in 3 days.

1hnr79jr65

I would accept the new prospect and move on, as others have pointed out, why did it take you handing in your notice for your current employer to see your "value" and offer 5k more to stay, also with review in Jan.

Its nice to be offered these things but ultimately if they were not offered in writing, then the words are meaningless, and worse still if down the line your workload is increased without review for pay increase you are back in same boat.

This new opportunity while a risk, has better pay and options for growth from what you have indicated, so grab the change and go with it.

Iwantcoffeenai

dazberry wrote: »

I remember reading somewhere that the majority of people who accept counter-offers subsequently leave within a year anyway, so statistically you where right to turn down the offer.

I experienced a similar situation 20 odd years ago and accepted the counter-offer predicated on a number of things including salary. While I did get a large pay increase, anything else that had been agreed were just lies to get me to stay - and I ended up leaving 3 months later anyway.

I would be of the opinion that if you have to use a job offer to get your salary up to a fair level - or can only get to that level by laterally moving to another job - you're better off making the move.

D.

Thanks for your reply. The only fear is that the new job doesn't work out but that the risk for any new job.

Iwantcoffeenai

wally1990 wrote: »

Wel you now know that you are appreciated in your current job and have a 5k rise plus a review with potentially more

The other position is a good slalaty jump also but at the end of the the net payment isn't going to be too far apart

So I would look at the following
Potential job satisfaction
Potential progression and future payrises
Benefits e.g. Pension health insurance canteen work hours etc
Obviously the new job is a challenge and a top PLC

You are now in the strongest position with both companies wanting you , if it was me I'd prob decide based on potential progression and future salaries

It is a difficult decision but as I always say go with your gut Instict because it's always right

If you have ANY doubt/concern/apprehension about either one then don't go for it

The new position is a new challenge better income
The old positioned you are valued , will
Have another review

But what would be better for your future (maybe difficult to know with the new job)

Regarding your current position but maybe check and see it is possible to take the 5k rise in the current job and new responsibilities or position ? Better for a CV and it's seen as progression so best of both worlds (rise plus new responsilibities or position )

You have the leverage here so use it to your advantage

Just my input but best of luck your in a great position And should be v happy with yourself

Your clearly valued to the company and by management

Thanks for your response . The new job definitely rewards people with salary increases. There is an annual salary review and no accountant has left the finance department for 6 years. However i do get the impression i will be under pressure and my work life balance will suffer. My current job is comfortable, I'm not under much pressure and my work life balance is great.

Iwantcoffeenai

gingerpele wrote: »

It's perfectly normal to be nervous starting a new job particularly if leaving the firm where you trained.

All of the reasons you wanted to leave are still valid. It will be a great opportunity.

Worst case scenario - last a year in the new job and then look for job in firm again. If they rate you now, they'll rate you then. Odds are very strong you never consider going back.

Good luck in your new role.

Thanks for your reply. He did say that of course he would rehire me but he doesn't think I will be back.

dev100

Iwantcoffeenai wrote:

Thanks for your response . The new job definitely rewards people with salary increases. There is an annual salary review and no accountant has left the finance department for 6 years. However i do get the impression i will be under pressure and my work life balance will suffer. My current job is comfortable, I'm not under much pressure and my work life balance is great.

What's your ultimate aim? climb the corporate ladder/ work closer to home/ or achieve a higher salary within a certain time frame or have a better work and life balance? More money usually means more responsibility more hours etc .

Iwantcoffeenai

dev100 wrote: »

Iwantcoffeenai wrote:

Thanks for your response . The new job definitely rewards people with salary increases. There is an annual salary review and no accountant has left the finance department for 6 years. However i do get the impression i will be under pressure and my work life balance will suffer. My current job is comfortable, I'm not under much pressure and my work life balance is great.

What's your ultimate aim? climb the corporate ladder/ work closer to home/ or achieve a higher salary within a certain time frame or have a better work and life balance? More money usually means more responsibility more hours etc .

My aim is to earn a good salary in a job in which I have a good work life balance. Isn't that everyone's aim? When you put it like that you would say I should stay in my current role but is that not the easy option? If I really push myself and try make the new job work my skill set and earning potential will increase greatly.

Royal Legend

Iwantcoffeenai wrote: »

Thanks for your response. Staying at my current job is definitely the more comfortable option but then will I ever get an opportunity to move like this again? It will certainly be a great role to have on my CV like my current boss said off the record. The thing is if I do change my mind how will my boss react now that I have already turned his offer down? I will also but bridges with the other company and the recruitment agency. It all happened so quickly I had the job interview, job offer and counter offer all in 3 days.

I have found that going with my gut feeling is always right. If you did not want to move you never would have looked or gone for an interview in the first place. Sounds like you felt undervalued at your current job, so would that change if you stayed?
It might be a big change and you might be afraid of the challenge ahead, but as one very successful person said to me once and it has stuck in my head, you should challenge yourself as much as possible, try to step out of your comfort zone as often as possible, not be afraid to face your fears and instead of doubting yourself, have a go, once you give it your best, what is the worst that can happen.

Teyla Emmagan

I definitely think it's time to move. All the reasons you were looking around, bar money, are still valid. This is a great opportunity for your career and you should take it. You have "done" your current job.

You are just feeling nervous about starting again. A month in and you will be over the hump and delighted with yourself.

Iwantcoffeenai

Teyla Emmagan wrote: »

I definitely think it's time to move. All the reasons you were looking around, bar money, are still valid. This is a great opportunity for your career and you should take it. You have "done" your current job.

You are just feeling nervous about starting again. A month in and you will be over the hump and delighted with yourself.

Thanks for your reply. If it didn't work out would it be career suicide to leave say after a year? I was shown around the offices and it was not not to feel intimidated by the size of the place.

dbran

Hi there

I would say move on.

Even if you did decide to stay there will always be a sense that you have "an itch that you want to scratch" and your former employer will never regard you in the same way as he did before. You will never have the same pull or "status" in the organisation that you once had and this will soon become apparent.

He is offering you the pay rise because you have caught him on the hop and therefore has no plans for your replacement. He knows that it is inevitable that you will move on so he will likely be looking for your replacement in the interim. It is not that he wants you to go but the chances are that you will leave and so he needs to be ready for that eventuality when it happens. That is what I would do if I was in the situation or indeed if I was the employer.

That is not to say that you do not have to stay on friendly terms with the chap and if the new job does not work out it may be a possibility to return if there is no other alternative.

Best of luck with the new job anyway.

dbran

Iwantcoffeenai

dbran wrote: »

Hi there

I would say move on.

Even if you did decide to stay there will always be a sense that you have "an itch that you want to scratch" and your former employer will never regard you in the same way as he did before. You will never have the same pull or "status" in the organisation that you once had and this will soon become apparent.

He is offering you the pay rise because you have caught him on the hop and therefore has no plans for your replacement. He knows that it is inevitable that you will move on so he will likely be looking for your replacement in the interim. It is not that he wants you to go but the chances are that you will leave and so he needs to be ready for that eventuality when it happens. That is what I would do if I was in the situation or indeed if I was the employer.

That is not to say that you do not have to stay on friendly terms with the chap and if the new job does not work out it may be a possibility to return if there is no other alternative.

Best of luck with the new job anyway.

dbran

Thanks. I start on Monday so fingers crossed. I couldn't have left on better terms.

Iwantcoffeenai

I know it's early days but I really feel like this new job is going to be a bad fit for me. I feel completely out of my depth, the work does not play to my skill set and there is little interaction with my work colleagues e.g. nobody takes lunch together. I feel like I have made a huge mistake. What should I do? Can I call back my previous employer and see if the offer is still on the table? I had a good relationship with my last boss so I could even just ask for his advice.

diomed

Stay in the new job.