Home / Job Interview

Solved

Got a counter-offer from current boss, take it or leave?

Handed in resignation for a new job. Now my current company suddenly matches the new salary and promises a promotion "soon". Everyone says never accept counter-offers but the number is tempting. Real experiences?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 1 months ago ·126 views ·3 answers

3 contributors answered

Best Answer
Fresh Grad Bro Ryan Beginner First-hand experience Graduated last year, kena rejected many times before landing job, can share resume and interview reality.
I accepted a counter-offer once and regretted it within 6 months. Here's why: the reasons I wanted to leave (bad manager, no growth) didn't change, only the pay did, and money stops feeling like enough once the novelty wears off. Worse, they now saw me as a flight risk, so I was quietly passed over for the next real opportunity and the promised promotion "soon" never materialised. The extra money they gave me was cheaper for them than recruiting my replacement, that's the cold truth. Ask yourself why you started interviewing in the first place. If it was purely pay, maybe the counter works. If it was culture, boss, or growth, the counter fixes none of that. I'd take the new job and not look back.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
Statistically most counter-offer accepters leave within a year anyway. But I won't say never, one friend accepted, got the promotion in writing with a date, and it worked out. Key word: in writing, with a date. "Soon" is worthless. If your boss can't put the promotion timeline and title on paper, it's just a retention tactic to buy time to find your replacement.
Property Sis Cheryl Beginner First-hand experience Agent who helps young couples decide BTO, resale or EC, I run the numbers with you no pressure to buy.
Also consider the relationship damage. Once you've resigned, some bosses hold a grudge even while smiling and counter-offering. You've shown your hand. In a small SG industry where everyone knows everyone, weigh how the new company will feel if you renege after accepting their offer, that bridge burns too. Reputation here travels fast lah.

Answer this

or Log in Answer with your account and build reputation.

Related questions

2
Salary & Bonus 5 answers Solved

What's it like negotiating a counter-offer after you already resigned in SG? Is it worth staying?

I handed in my resignation for a fintech role in Raffles Place, then my current manager su…

232 views
4
Salary & Bonus 4 answers Solved

Do I lose my AWS if I resign before December?

My company pays AWS (13th month) in December. I got an offer starting October. Will I forf…

316 views
4
Career & Work 4 answers Solved

Boss gave me a counteroffer after I resigned. Take it?

I handed in my resignation for a role paying 20% more. Now my manager is dangling a matchi…

246 views
0
Salary & Bonus 2 answers Bounty 5 points

Counter-offer from current company after I resigned, should I stay?

I resigned for a new job with higher pay, and now my current company is suddenly offering …

17 views
2
Job Interview 5 answers Solved

Interviewer asked expected salary and I anchored too high, did I kill my chances?

Just came out of a final round interview for a mid-level ops role. When they asked expecte…

622 views
3
Job Interview 5 answers Solved

How do you handle the classic why do you want to leave your current job question without sounding like you're running away?

Got a final round next week for a senior exec role, expecting the standard why leaving que…

727 views