Finance professionals often face the same dilemma. You hand in your notice and suddenly your employer is full of praise. They match your salary, maybe even offer a bonus. It is tempting, but should you accept or move on?
What counteroffers really solve
Most counteroffers only fix one thing: the number on your payslip.
If you felt undervalued or overlooked, that has not changed. It has just been covered up with a pay rise.
The data supports this. Around 80 percent of people who accept a counteroffer leave within a year because the underlying reasons for wanting to go never went away.
Loyalty versus progression
Loyalty can look like stability, but accepting a counteroffer can stall your development. You showed ambition by exploring the market. Accepting a counteroffer can pull you straight back.
If you were suddenly worth more the moment you resigned, were you not worth more already?
Why progress often means leaving
Career moves are rarely just about money. They are about culture, challenge and feeling like you make a difference.
If you were ready for change, the chances are you are still ready.
