Taking a new step in your IT career requires a bit of bravery. Let’s face it. Change can be uncomfortable! After you land a new IT job, you work up the courage to walk into your boss’s office or hit “send” on your resignation letter. You feel a wave of relief before getting an unexpected response. Your boss wants you to stay and makes a tempting counteroffer for you to consider.
Receiving a counteroffer can feel gratifying, but this is a time to set that emotion aside and remember why you arrived at this crossroads in the first place. Below are three questions to ask yourself before you decide to stay with your current IT employer.
Why did you decide to leave?
Making a career change is a big decision and one you probably didn’t make overnight. What prompted you to begin your search for a new IT job? Think about the reasons you decided to leave. Do you have a long commute? Are you working more than the hours you are paid? Are workplace politics uncomfortable? Ask yourself, “Would these concerns improve if I accepted the counteroffer?” If your answer is no, you will continue to wish for something different.
What are the impacts of staying?
Staying with a company after turning in your resignation can cause discomfort and tension. Your employer knows you are dissatisfied and willing to look for a better IT job opportunity. You could end up at the top of the list if the company decides to downsize or reorganize. If your counteroffer includes a promotion or pay raise, how will those changes impact your day-to-day life? Will the pay raise make a significant difference in your lifestyle? Will the promotion require more work hours? Sometimes an enticing offer seems less enticing when you break it down and consider the impact it will have not only on your career but also on the quality of your life.
What are your long-term goals?
When you think about your IT career, where do you see yourself five or ten years from now? Will staying or leaving your current position put you any closer to the long-term goals you’ve set for yourself? Considering the future implications of your decision can provide a new perspective on the counteroffer. It may seem like a good deal now, but it might not be the stepping stone you need to get you closer to your goals.
When it comes to making a decision about your IT career, we always recommend you chat with your IT recruiter. At Patriot Talent Solutions, our IT recruiters want the best for you and are happy to talk through any decision you need to make about your career. If you are looking for a new IT position in Knoxville, Tennessee or Tampa, Florida, we encourage you to reach out and speak with our team.