|
| |
|
|
When It's Time to Resign
|
|
| Most top executives agree that the days of the ‘gold watch for 30 years of
faithful service’ are gone. In fact, experience at several companies over a long
period of time is considered an asset that brings a variety of experiences and
perspectives to a new job. Today, changing jobs is a routine part of every growing
professional career. You are probably considering a change because your present position
doesn’t offer the growth environment you need. Nevertheless, your company has helped
you progress professionally, and as a result, you may feel a bit uncomfortable resigning.
After all, leaving a job means leaving many managers and co-workers whom you see socially,
and who have been instrumental in advancing your career.
What then should you expect when you tender your resignation? Undoubtedly, your
company will be sorry to lose you. After all, you have contributed to their sales and
profits, and are probably involved in several projects drawing on your unique talents. If
you were in your boss’ position, what would you be inclined to do when a
valuable employee resigned? |
| The Counter Offer |
| It is a natural instinct to resist change and avoid disruption, and your present
employer will be no exception. If you’re doing a good job, he will want to keep you
and will attempt to do so with a counter offer. Even though you have accepted a new job
elsewhere, he will try to convince you that you have made a mistake. Counter offers can
be made in a variety of ways:
- "We have plans for you that have been scheduled for implementation the first of
next month. I guess it’s my fault for not telling you."
- "I want to let you in on some confidential information. There is a reorganization
developing that will mean a significant promotion for you within six months."
- "We’ll match your new offer. This raise was supposed to go into effect the
first of next quarter anyway, but because of your fine record, we’ll start it on the
first of the month."
- "The President and Vice President want to have dinner with you tonight before you
make your final decision."
|
| The Implications of a Counter Offer |
A counter offer can be very flattering, sometimes causing your emotions to obscure
your objective decision to leave your present employer. There is also the natural feeling
of "buyer’s remorse" - that vague apprehension of change that subtly urges
you to consider your decision. When confronted with a counter offer, ask yourself these
questions.
- I made a decision to leave because I felt another environment would better fulfill my
career needs. If I stay, will the situation at my company really improve just
because I said I was quitting?
- If I decide to stay, will my loyalty be suspect and affect my chance for advancement in
the future?
- If my loyalty is in question, will I be an early layoff when business slows down?
- They are offering me a raise to stay. Is it just my annual review coming early?
- The raise they offered to keep me is above their guidelines for my job. Does that mean
they are "buying time" until they can find my replacement within their regular
salary bracket?
- In the final analysis, I got this counter offer because I resigned. Will I have to
threaten to quit every time I want to advance with my company in the future?
|
| The Professional Approach |
| As a professional you must make your career decisions objectively, free of the
emotional pressures you are likely to feel later when being urged to reconsider. While
well meaning friends, relatives and business associates will offer advice, you must depend
primarily on your own judgement. After all, you are the only one who is in the position to
understand all of the implications of a counter offer. Expect your company to be sorry to
see you leave and to make some attempt to keep you. At best, their response should be
considered flattering, but beset with numerous pitfalls you should not risk. End your
relationship with your employer as professionally as you began it. Your new company will
be anxious to have you start, so you should do so as soon as possible. Two week’s
notice is often adequate; a maximum of three weeks is always sufficient.
A counter offer is really a belated affirmation of the contributions you have made to
your old company. Move ahead to your new job with the goal of making yourself as valuable
to your new employer as you were to the old. |
|
|
