I turned down a counter offer.

[Beet]

I recently made a decision, which while I'm happy that I made it quickly and decisively (since usually I don't) I still have nagging doubts about. Basically, last week a former coworker of mine contacted me to let me know of an opportunity where he works. I went in for an interview, and got an offer almost immediately. Monetarily it is very slightly better than where I am now (3-4%) but in terms of the job itself it is a much more satisfying position, so I accepted right away. However, when I went to resign from my current job, my boss blew me away with a 19% raise plus a 16% bonus. He also offered to switch me into a more fulfilling position.

I turned him down. The main reason is that the job I'm going to be taking would still be better in terms of my career development than what was offered at my current position. I've been at my current company for a long time and it's really small and doesn't offer as much interesting work. I've been promised a more fulfilling position several times, but nothing has materialized. So I guess there's a lack of trust issue too. Also, I haven't always been treated very well by my current boss. I feel they engage in favoritism and have tended to favor certain other employees' career trajectories over mine.

But another reason is that I read a lot of advice online saying that one should not renege on accepted offers and one should not take counter offers because you can't trust your employer any more. But I still doubt whether I did the right thing. I feel a lot of the online advice was written by recruiters who hate counter-offers/reneging because it means they don't get the recruitment fee. It may be giving people a biased view of whether or not to accepted the counter offer. What do you think?

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

You did the right thing. If your boss was trustable, I would stay. The raise, and the bonus seem like great offers. But, as mentioned, nothing ever happens. So, all in all, you made the right choice. Congrats on the new job

[Gustaf]

Given the info it sounds like the good move. I'd put it this way. If your boss was willing to go to those lengths to keep you, it's a clear sign that you're too good for them. In other words, if they could convince someone as good as you to take the job after you, there would be no problem in letting you go.

Thus, a counter-offer is an indication that you're better off without them, imo.

[opebo]

What the devil do you do that you get all these offers?  Computer repairman?  Because it sounds rather counter to the experience of most people (desperation, firing, unemployment)

[patrick1]

I've been in similar situations and you made the right call. Had you stayed you would eventually just get strung along and would be in the same spot years from now. His strategy was to pay you as cheaply as possible rather than rewording good work and developing you along.

Good luck in your new position.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Seems like a good decision.  At the point that they're only offering you more because they know they might lose you, do you really want to stay at that company?  Plus, like you said, once you accept an offer, you should take it - I've never been a fan of those who play political games at work.

[memphis]

Wasn't with the oncompany, was it?

[TeePee4Prez]

The counter-offer is merely a tactic to keep you on till they find someone else.  Gives them the power.  Good move.

[Politico]

I recently made a decision, which while I'm happy that I made it quickly and decisively (since usually I don't) I still have nagging doubts about. Basically, last week a former coworker of mine contacted me to let me know of an opportunity where he works. I went in for an interview, and got an offer almost immediately. Monetarily it is very slightly better than where I am now (3-4%) but in terms of the job itself it is a much more satisfying position, so I accepted right away. However, when I went to resign from my current job, my boss blew me away with a 19% raise plus a 16% bonus. He also offered to switch me into a more fulfilling position.

I turned him down. The main reason is that the job I'm going to be taking would still be better in terms of my career development than what was offered at my current position. I've been at my current company for a long time and it's really small and doesn't offer as much interesting work. I've been promised a more fulfilling position several times, but nothing has materialized. So I guess there's a lack of trust issue too. Also, I haven't always been treated very well by my current boss. I feel they engage in favoritism and have tended to favor certain other employees' career trajectories over mine.

But another reason is that I read a lot of advice online saying that one should not renege on accepted offers and one should not take counter offers because you can't trust your employer any more. But I still doubt whether I did the right thing. I feel a lot of the online advice was written by recruiters who hate counter-offers/reneging because it means they don't get the recruitment fee. It may be giving people a biased view of whether or not to accepted the counter offer. What do you think?

You made the right move. No doubt whatsoever.

Never ever accept a counteroffer after submitting resignation. The only possible exception would be if you work at a small firm owned by a friend, and I mean a friend in the truest sense imaginable (i.e., friends for years before you started working with them, etc.). Otherwise, it can only lead to bad things.