Should I Stay or Should I Go?: How to Respond to A Counter Offer
Resigning from your job to accept an exciting new role abroad is a huge step. But just as you hand in your notice, your current boss surprises you: they offer you a higher salary, a promotion, or better perks to make you stay.
It is flattering, but it is also one of the most stressful situations a candidate can face. If you are wondering how to respond to a counter-offer, here is the ultimate guide to help you make the right career decision.
What is a counter-offer in recruitment?
A counter-offer is a proposal made by your current employer in response to your resignation. Typically, it includes a salary increase, a new job title, or additional benefits designed to convince you to reject your new job offer and stay with the company.
Why do employers make counter-offers?
While it feels great to be wanted, employers usually make counter-offers for practical and financial reasons, not just out of appreciation:
Cost of replacement: Finding, hiring, and training a new employee is expensive and time-consuming.
Team stability: Your departure might disrupt ongoing projects or lower team morale.
Buying time: Sometimes, a counter-offer is just a temporary fix to keep you around until they can find a suitable replacement on their own terms.
Statistically, you should not accept a counter-offer. According to HR industry data, over 80% of employees who accept a counter-offer end up leaving the company within 6 to 12 months anyway.
Here are the main reasons why staying is risky:
The root problems remain: More money won’t fix bad management, a toxic culture, or a lack of real career progression. The reasons that made you look for a new job in the first place will still be there.
Broken trust: Your employer now knows you were ready to leave. Your loyalty may be questioned, which could affect your future promotions or job security.
Stalled growth: Accepting a counter-offer often means missing out on the new challenges, international experience, and fresh environment that your new role at a different company was offering.
How to respond to a counter-offer professionally
If you have decided to move forward with your new international role, you need to decline the counter-offer gracefully without burning bridges. Follow these steps:
Show appreciation: Always thank your employer for the offer and for valuing your work. (e.g., "Thank you so much for the generous offer and for believing in my potential here.")
Be firm with your decision: Clearly state that your decision to leave is final. Do not leave room for further negotiation. (e.g., "However, after careful consideration, I have decided to stick with my decision and accept the new opportunity.")
Focus on the new challenge, not the money: Explain that your move is about career direction, not just salary. (e.g., "This new role offers an international experience and a different career path that aligns with my long-term goals.")
Offer a smooth transition: Reassure them that you will help train your replacement and wrap up your projects before your departure.
Stick to your goals with blu
Changing jobs—especially when moving to a new country—requires courage. A counter-offer can cloud your judgment, but remember why you started looking for a new opportunity in the first place. Trust your initial instinct.
Ready to take the leap and start your new career abroad? Let blu guide you through a seamless transition.
Q: How long do I have to respond to a counter-offer?
You should respond quickly, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Taking too long can create false hope for your current employer and make your new future employer nervous about your commitment.
Q: Can I use a counter-offer to negotiate a higher salary with my new employer?
It is highly risky. While it is possible, asking your future employer for more money after you have already accepted their offer can damage your credibility and start your new relationship on a negative note.
Q: Is it ever a good idea to accept a counter-offer?
Rarely. Unless your only reason for leaving was salary, the underlying issues (such as company culture, management style, or lack of international exposure) will remain exactly the same.
Your Quick To-Do List When You Receive a Counter-Offer
Feeling overwhelmed by your boss's counter-offer? Follow this simple step-by-step checklist to stay objective and make the right choice:
[ ] Say "Thank You": Acknowledge the offer gracefully and express gratitude for their appreciation.
[ ] Ask for 24 hours: Do not say yes or no on the spot. Give yourself a day to process the emotions and relieve the immediate pressure.
[ ] Review your "Why": Write down the top 3 reasons you started looking for a new job in the first place. Ask yourself: Does this counter-offer actually fix them?
[ ] Look at the big picture: Compare the long-term career growth of moving abroad vs. staying in your current comfort zone.
[ ] Decline politely in writing: Send a short, professional email confirming your final decision to leave, so there is a clear written record.
[ ] Focus on the handover: Shift your energy to leaving on good terms by organizing a smooth transition and training your team before you leave.
