Should I stay or should I go?

Question: “I want a new job but my employer wants to negotiate a deal to have me stay.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗜 𝗱𝗼?”

Answer: First, you’ll want to make an informed decision. You’ll need to begin with the end in mind.

Decide what you want to have happen.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿 (𝗬/𝗡)?

If no; you’ve already made up your mind. Why torture yourself with “what-ifs” and “maybe’s?”
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If yes, maybe, or you’re not sure – answer these follow-up questions:

📌 Under what conditions would you stay? Name your terms.
📌 What does success look like?
📌 Paint me a picture of what the best outcome might feel like?
📌 How well do your values match those of this employer?
📌 Do you want the same things your employer wants? Are you working towards the same goal?
📌 Do you trust them to have your best interest at heart?

These are a few things you might consider: autonomy, compensation, flexible work hours, tasks/roles/duties, influence to make decisions – there are many more things to think about before negotiating a deal to stay at a job you’re unsure is a fit for you.

Since this can be a complicated or a very easy choice depending on your personal circumstances, don’t feel pressure to decide too quickly without first considering these factors.

𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁.

📌 What are you missing by saying ‘yes’ to this opportunity?

📌 What would you miss by saying ‘no’ to this opportunity?

𝗥𝘂𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀.
How much of one thing are you willing to give up to get something else?

► More financial security / more work = less time to explore career alternatives

► More autonomy = more responsibility and working weekends

(Please note these are oversimplified examples. There are many more to consider).

Once you’ve sat down with the facts, go back and ask yourself again quietly.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿 (𝗬/𝗡)?

Whether you’re running to or away from a job (or both simultaneously) you’ll want to address what might be holding you back or catapulting you forward. Is it fear, security, family/peer pressure, comfort or something else altogether?

No one can tell you the answer to your question. Nor should you feel pressured by popular advice that says “never accept a counter-offer.” Read these posts and consider this advice, for sure! But this choice is yours to make. No one knows your personal circumstances better than you. Do what feels right for you.

About The Author
Maureen McCann is an award-winning career coach, master resume writer, and master certified interview, employment, and career strategist whose clients include C-level executives, managers, and professionals in all industries including the Canadian banking, oil and gas, healthcare, IT, and government sectors.