Eh, Singaporeans, pernah kena counter offer before? You finally got that sweet new job, hand in your resignation, and suddenly your current company wants to pay you more? Sounds good ah? But hold up, don’t be kiasu and jump at the chance. Think carefully, hor!
Current Situation
- Job hopping is common in Singapore. When an employee resigns and receives a counter-offer from their current employer, it indicates the employee’s value but also raises questions about the company’s initial valuation.
They give you counter-offer means you are doing well in your current role. The best time to leave is when you are at the top. So it is the best time now.
- The Reddit thread reflects a common dilemma: stay for the immediate gratification of more money, or leave for potentially better long-term prospects. Many Singaporeans switch jobs every 2-3 years for career advancement and salary increases.
As someone who has switched 6 companies, there is a rule of thumb. Never accept counter offer. Your current company will never see you the same way again.
- Counter-offers are often seen as a short-term solution for the company, rather than a genuine investment in the employee’s future.
Underlying Problems
- Trust is broken. The company only offered a raise *after* you resigned. Were they really valuing you all along, or just trying to avoid the hassle of finding a replacement?
Current company already knows you aren’t loyal
- Future growth might be limited. Will you get the same bonus, increments, and promotion opportunities as someone who didn’t threaten to leave? Maybe not, leh!
Counteroffer only raises your salary once. Later what about your bonus and next few years increments and promotions?
- Your relationship with your colleagues might change. They may see you as someone who is not loyal or just doing it for the money. This can affect your working environment.
Smart Solutions
- Reflect on your reasons for leaving. Was it just about the money? Or were you seeking better growth opportunities, a more challenging role, or a better work environment?
You’ll have to ask yourself why you decide to look for a new company, is it just money? Or has your opportunity on learning or growth plateau.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you’re leaning towards the new job, use the counter-offer to negotiate a higher salary or better benefits. But be prepared to walk away if they don’t budge.
I will not accept the counter offer but I’ll use the counter offer to get the new company to increase their offer by another 20%
- Consider the long-term impact. Think about your career goals and which job offers the best path to achieving them. Sometimes, a new environment and new challenges are worth more than a slightly bigger paycheck.
So, the next time you get a counter-offer, don’t just chiong ah! Take a step back, weigh your options, and make the decision that’s best for your future. Don’t let the short-term gain blind you to the long-term consequences. Majulah Singapura!
