According to recent industry evidence, at least 94% of candidates who accept counteroffers are not employed by that company six months later.

Although you may be persuaded to remain at your current company when they make you a counteroffer, evidence shows that counteroffers are merely Band-Aids to give employers time to find replacements. Counteroffers are presented to employees because employers are put in a position where they may lose productivity and profits. Let's face it, in order to protect a company's best interest, many employers resort to using counteroffers. Once an employer convinces an employee to stick around a while, the employer is given the opportunity to seek a replacement at a more appropriate time. The employee doesn't benefit--the company does!

Very few people have ever benefited from a counteroffer. Once a counteroffer is accepted, the reasons why the employee initially wanted to leave the company still exist. Even though your employer may adjust your income or tell you to expect a promotion, the core issues that guided your decision to leave remain. Money is usually the least important factor in a person's decision to quit a job.

In addition, your job security may be threatened when you accept a counteroffer. Since you professed your intentions to leave, the employer now questions your allegiance to the company. You may be viewed as a disloyal employee and eventually find yourself ostracized from the team. Once again, the employee loses!

Leaving a company is always emotional. Both employers and employees make emotional decisions when a notice is given. Be confident! Be decisive! Instead of making bad decisions based on emotion, begin the process by pursuing all avenues within your current firm. First, before you submit your resignation, visit with your boss and discover what plans he has for your career. Make sure you are completely committed to leaving the company.

Next, type out your resignation and hand it directly to your employer. Tell your employer that you appreciated the opportunity to work for him, but after thorough consideration, you've decided to advance your career. Be sure to inform him that you've accepted a position and you'll be starting in two weeks. Remain poised! Ask your employer if he would like you to work the next two weeks or pack up and leave immediately. Always remember to shake his hand and close the meeting on a positive note. Employers will honor your decision, and you'll leave the company with your pride intact!

If you work for a company that values its reputation and respects its employees, you will not be insulted by counter-productive counteroffers! Instead, you'll seize a new career opportunity, and depart the company with your intelligence and pride unharmed.