Job Advice: Whether to accept/consider a counter offer

[thecoolestfish]

You really should get better at hiding your jealousy of me. ***

nm

 

[PSUFBFAN]

I am stunned at the consistency of the responses ...

Usually, a post on "life issues" generates different opinions from the masses that respond. I am (pleasantly) surprised at how consistent the message is from a lot of different posters ....

Move on to Atlanta, don't try and start new negotiations with the new employer, and leave under good terms with the old employer.

I agree 100%.

 

[wbcincy]

Originally posted by LauderdaleLion:
Call it what you want but in no way was I coming here to brag. I am in the process of being offered a counter offer which I had no idea was coming and it caught my off guard so I was seeking advice. I could see how you could read my original post and think that, but it is still a major decision for myself and my family that involves a major relocation so it is not a slam dunk that you make it out to be. I could easily spin it the other way on the advantages of staying (moving into upper management, more money, working with a management team where I am a known commodity)

Regardless, I think I am proceeding forth with the new job but by no means was I coming here to brag.

I hope you realizing I was just busting your chops. Any big move, changing companies when you're comfortable where you are, etc is a difficult decision. And as I said, you have a right to be proud anyway.

 

[MarkPSU]

Never accept a counter offer. I have 30 years

Recruiting experience. You play Russian Roulette when you do because once you're safely back in the fold..... Out go the promises and many times out go YOU. I have rarely seems counteroffer benefit the candidate in the long run

 

[PSUJim]

Mark, I have recruited now for over 15 years and I don't know....

that you can say that without knowing some other variables. I have seen people make moves for more money, less travel, more responsibility, etc. and wish they hadn't. I have seen folks accept counter-offers and 5 years later be as happy as can be. That doesn't mean that is all the time, and I always highly caution people regarding counter-offers, however, so much of it depends on the relationship with the management, the culture of the company, the involvement of HR, etc.

In the market-place right now, I would hesitate to make a move for only a 5% raise. I also don't know that I would say Atlanta (some areas) is significantly cheaper than some areas around Philly. It depends on where and they you have to understand the traffic scenario as well. If a sign-on and relo are substantial, you need to find out what the payback period is and is that pro-rated or not? I always tell people that candidates can look great for a day of interviews, but I can help you understand what they will be like as an employee. Similarly, a company could look great for a day of interviews, but it is better if you can network with folks to understand what the culture is like when you are actually employed there.

Having said that, I would still probably make the move - especially since the original poster's wife is on-board. If she didn't want to move to that area, or if she was leaving a fantastic job she enjoyed, I would be much more hesitant. The vacation difference is substantial, and as long as the benefits and potential commute-times are comparable, I believe it would probably be a good move.

I tell every candidate I work with that no-one (including BWI board member or even a wife) can get into the head of the person actually making the decision. No-one knows what they feel at work, or what their relationships are like, or what their future views are on a department, company, etc. Sometimes the decision to others seems so logical, yet it has to come from the original poster as they are going to have to deal with the change. Again, moves are most times more difficult on the spouse (and children if there are any), so if she is on-board I would say go for it.

 

[lattydaddy]

Originally posted by LauderdaleLion:
Well, that is a question I was also wondering. I have signed accepted offer with the new company. If my current company comes back to me with something is it very poor form to go back to the new company to try and get more? I make a good salary and am based in the Northeast and the recruiter at the new company made it known to be she had to go to the highest levels of the company to get me the 5% increase. I don't know that they have any more room to move but reality is reality and if my current company comes back and offers me more maybe I should just lay it out for them and ask the question.

Thanks.

No, it's not poor form. It's business. Just like they can lay you off instantly, you can reneg on them as well. However, it would just burn a bridge with that company. (edit, i was saying considering all options as not being poor form)

Think of it this way, to any given company, you are worth 0.00000001% of their company (assuming it's a large company). However, your job is worth at least 50% of your life (working long hours, relocating, etc.). The ball is in your court, which is a good problem to have.

As for is it poor form to ask for more money? No. It doesn't hurt to ask, you just have to be prepared to walk if they say no. I'm sorry but NOBODY leaves for a 5% salary increase unless they just hate their current job. Companies expect to pay ~15% premium to get someone on board. Recruiters are like used car salesmen. Take what they say with a grain of salt.

This post was edited on 3/24 11:33 PM by lattydaddy

 

[lattydaddy]

Re: Couple of points ...

Originally posted by b&w1987:

1. You shouldn't have to threaten to quit to get paid what you're worth on the open market.
2. Vacation time in truth is probably more valuable to you and your families happiness than the money.
3. No such thing as a guaranteed promotion. As soon as the manager who makes the promises is promoted, transfers or quits all deals disappear.
4. You get to leave Philadelphia ..just kidding!
5. Most importantly ....a happy wife makes for a happy life.

you think that, by principle, but that's not how companies operate. it's not sound business, unfortunately. ESPECIALLY if this new company had to go to extremes to get a 5% raise. Companies pay you the least they can to get you to stay.

 

[lattydaddy]

if a company had to break their back just to give you a 5% raise (and not even a promotion), consider that you're probably going to be at the high end of a salary grade, which means when annual raise time comes around, them only offering you 5% means annual raises aren't going to be too big the first year or two, generally speaking. You've got a tough decision to make, but I do not think it's as cut and dry as everyone seems to imply. It really comes down to do you LIKE your current job or not. Definitely consider all options. What you do once you consider is up to you.

 

[lattydaddy]

is Ken Frazier your CEO by any chance?

 

[Lion78]

Smart move. A little late to this party, but it's the right move. There is a strong possibility that the posturing your current employer is doing by trying to get you to stay is nothing more than your immediate management trying to save face with their superiors. You can't assume motives are genuine. In 38 years of work I've never seen more than a handful of accepted counter offers where the person in your shoes stayed more than a few years at best. There is bound to be ill will in forcing their hand.

Sounds like the family is on board with the move so have at it. Best of luck in Atlanta

 

[johnmpsu]

Leave. There is a reason you went looking for a new job. Remember it *

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