Counter Offers: Should I accept or not?

You've been waiting a long time for a career advancement, and after some unsuccessful attempts to move up-the-ladder with your current company, you were just offered a great opportunity with a new company; a position with more responsibility, higher salary, and a better retirement package. Now the dilemma. You gave your two-weeks' notice and a couple days later your boss approaches you with a counter offer, and this counter offer is a lot more attractive than the new position you were offered.

The above scenario is not unheard of, and if it happens to you, here are a few things you may want to consider before you make your decision.

• Most people leave a position because they are unhappy about some things. Unfortunately, if you decide to stay, some of these "things" may still be in place.
• Once you give your notice, you may be perceived as a "not-so-loyal" employee. This could affect you in the future if there are ever layoffs in your company. In addition, if there is an opportunity for a promotion, you may not be considered. Further, if there is a project with highly sensitive information, would they be more inclined to let somebody else work on it?
• As far as the other company is concerned (the company where you accepted your new job), rescinding a job offer once you've accepted is not viewed favorably with companies. Doing so may hinder any future chances of ever working for the company.

If you conduct research on the Internet, you will find that most articles agree that counter offers do not work. Despite this, I know of a few people have accepted counter offers and have been happy with their decisions. Each person has a unique situation, so it's important to consider all the pros and cons before making your decision.