- An employer counter offer can be tempting, but a higher salary or promotion may not address the reasons you wanted to leave in the first place.
- Before accepting, consider whether the offer addresses your concerns, provides a clear career path, and includes specific commitments you can trust.
- Accepting, declining, or asking for more time to consider the counter-offer requires professionalism, clear communication, and a decision you’re comfortable with.
- If your current workplace no longer feels like the right fit, Curran Daly & Associates can help you explore opportunities that align with your experience, goals, and expectations.
Handing in your resignation can feel like the hardest part of leaving a job. Then your employer makes a counter-offer: a higher salary, a new title, or even the promotion you’ve been asking for.
It can be tempting to say yes, especially when the offer addresses something you’ve wanted for a while. But before you decide, take a step back and ask yourself: Does this actually solve the reason I wanted to leave?
For employers, keeping an existing employee can be easier than replacing them. SHRM’s 2026 State of the Workplace report found that 51% of employees are at least somewhat likely to leave within the next year if their organization doesn’t address their broader needs.
That’s why a salary increase is often an obvious first move for employers when someone resigns. It gives you a reason to pause, but it doesn’t necessarily address the problems behind your decision.
However, money isn’t always what prompts someone to resign. A 2025 Workmonitor survey of more than 26,000 workers across 35 markets found that work-life balance (83%) ranked above pay (82%) as employees’ top priority.
This guide covers five questions to ask before accepting a counter-offer, plus how to respond if you want to accept, decline, or ask for more time.
5 Questions to Ask Before You Accept a Counter-Offer
A counter-offer can make staying feel like the easier choice, especially when your employer suddenly offers you more money or promises the changes you’ve been asking for. But before you say yes, take a closer look at what’s actually on the table.
Here are some factors to consider before accepting a counter-offer.
1. Why Did You Decide to Leave?
Think back and write down what pushed you to start looking for another job. If it was your workload, a difficult manager, limited flexibility, or a lack of growth, a raise may not change much.
Here’s the thing: staying because it’s easier isn’t the same as staying because it’s right. MetLife’s 2026 Employee Benefit Trends Study found that 77% of employees plan to stick around at their current job, but 56% of them are doing it out of necessity, not because they actually want to.
2. Is the Salary Increase or Promotion Enough?
A bigger salary or a shiny new title can be a good reason to stay, particularly if pay was your main concern. Check whether the offer reflects what you’re really worth in the market, or if it’s simply enough to keep you from walking out the door.
ADP Research, which tracks payroll data for about 15 million US workers, found that as of mid-2026, people who switched jobs saw their pay grow by 7.0%, compared with 4.4% for those who stayed put. That doesn’t mean you need to leave for a 7% increase, but it does give you a useful benchmark when deciding whether your employer’s offer is competitive.
3. Will Your Other Concerns Change?
Salary is usually easier to change than your workload, company culture, flexibility, or relationship with your manager. If your employer promises a lighter workload, ask who will actually take work off your plate. If they offer more flexibility, what will that look like day to day? Get specific about what will change instead of relying on a general promise that things will get better.
That matters because how you feel about your workplace can be harder to fix with money alone. The WebMD Health Services Center for Research’s 2026 Workplace and Employee Survey found that the share of employees who were highly engaged fell from 23% in 2024 to just 19% in 2026. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your work, a higher salary may not be enough to change that.
4. What Does Your Career Path Look Like?
A counter-offer can give you more money without giving you more opportunities. Before accepting, ask yourself whether your current employer can give you the skills, responsibilities, and progression you’re looking for.
LearnExperts emphasized that career advancement remains the top reason people invest in learning. Yet, only 15% of employees said their manager helped them build a career plan in the previous six months. So, before accepting a counteroffer, check whether it gives you a clearer path forward or just more pay.
5. Can You Trust the Promises?
Counter-offers often come with more than a number. They may mention a promotion, a new work schedule, or “let’s revisit this in six months.” Before you agree to stay, find out exactly what’s being offered and get important changes in writing.
This matters even in workplaces where trust generally runs high. In fact, the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer found that employees trust their employer more than any other institution, at 78%. But trusting your employer doesn’t mean you should rely on a verbal promise when making a major career decision.
How to Respond to an Employer Counter Offer
Getting a counter-offer can put you in an awkward position. You’ve already told your employer you’re leaving, and now you have to decide whether to stay, move on, or ask for more time.
Whatever you decide, how you respond matters. Keep the conversation professional, make sure you understand exactly what’s being offered, and avoid making a decision just because you feel pressured in the moment.
Let’s look at some practical ways to respond, whether you’re saying yes, saying no, or just need a beat to think it through.
If You Want to Accept
If the counter-offer genuinely addresses your concerns and you’ve decided that staying is the right move, make sure you’re clear about what you’re agreeing to before you withdraw your resignation.
Step 1: Express appreciation for the offer.
Start by acknowledging the effort your employer has made. Even if the counter-offer is exactly what you were hoping for, a simple thank you helps keep the conversation positive.
You don’t need to overdo it. Let them know you appreciate that they’ve listened to your concerns and are willing to work with you.
Step 2: Get the agreed terms in writing.
This is one of the most important steps. Don’t rely on verbal promises for something that could affect your salary, title, responsibilities, working hours, or career progression.
Ask for an updated offer letter, contract, or written confirmation that clearly sets out what has changed. If your employer has promised a promotion or role change at a later date, ask for the timeline and conditions in writing too.
Step 3: Clarify what happens next.
Once you’ve agreed to stay, find out when the changes actually take effect. Will your new salary start immediately or from the next pay cycle? When does your new title become official? Will your responsibilities change? Will you report to the same manager?
The more specific you are now, the less room there is for confusion later.
Step 4: Follow through professionally.
You’ve already handed in your resignation, so that things might feel slightly awkward at first. Don’t let that stop you from moving forward.
Treat the decision as a fresh start. Keep communicating openly with your manager, follow through on any commitments you’ve made, and give yourself time to settle back into the role.
Sample Template for Accepting the Counter-Offer
Hi [Manager’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to put together this offer and for being willing to work with me on [salary/title/responsibilities/flexibility]. After thinking it over, I’ve decided to stay, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow with the team.
Could you please send over the updated terms in writing so we’re both clear on the changes? I’d also like to touch base on [specific next steps or timeline] so I know what to expect going forward.
Thanks again. I appreciate the conversation and look forward to continuing our work together.
Best,
[Your Name]
If You Want to Decline
If you’ve decided that the counter-offer doesn’t address what you’re looking for, you don’t need to feel guilty about saying no. Your employer may be disappointed, but you can still leave on good terms.
Step 1: Thank your employer for the offer.
Start by acknowledging the time and effort they put into making the counter-offer. This keeps the conversation respectful and shows that you’ve considered what they proposed.
Step 2: Keep your explanation honest but brief.
You don’t need to give your employer a detailed list of everything that went wrong. If you’re comfortable sharing your reason, keep it focused on your career goals and what you’re looking for next.
For example, you might explain that you’re looking for a different type of role, more growth opportunities, or a change in direction.
Step 3: Be clear that you’ve made your decision.
Once you’ve decided to decline, avoid language that makes it sound like you’re still negotiating unless you genuinely are.
You can be appreciative while still being firm: thank them for the offer, confirm your decision, and avoid leaving the door open just because you feel uncomfortable saying no.
Step 4: Focus on a smooth transition.
Your resignation doesn’t have to damage your relationship with your employer. Offer to help document your work, hand over responsibilities, or support the team during your notice period.
You never know when you might cross paths with former colleagues or managers again, so leaving professionally is worth the effort.
Sample Template for Declining the Counter-Offer
Hi [Manager’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to put together a counter-offer. I really appreciate the effort and the opportunity to discuss my concerns.
After giving it careful thought, I’ve decided to move forward with the new opportunity. While it wasn’t an easy decision, I feel it’s the right next step for me and my career.
I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned here and for the opportunities I’ve had with the team. I want to make the transition as smooth as possible, so please let me know how I can help during my remaining notice period.
Thanks again for understanding. I hope we can stay in touch.
Best,
[Your Name]
If You Need More Time
You don’t have to accept or reject a counter-offer on the spot. If you’re unsure, it’s reasonable to ask for some time to think it through, especially if your employer has just presented you with the offer during a resignation conversation.
Step 1: Ask for a reasonable amount of time.
You don’t need weeks to make the decision, but you also don’t have to give an immediate answer. Ask for a specific date to respond so your employer knows when to expect your decision.
If possible, take at least a day or two to step away from the conversation and think without the pressure of having your employer waiting for an answer.
Step 2: Ask for anything you need in writing.
If you’re considering the offer, make sure you have the information you need to compare it properly. Ask for the proposed salary, title, responsibilities, benefits, reporting structure, or any other changes that were discussed.
If something is still vague, ask for clarification now rather than trying to work it out later.
Step 3: Compare the offer with what you actually want.
Don’t evaluate the counter-offer in isolation. Go back to why you started looking for another job and see whether the offer addresses those reasons.
Ask yourself: What has actually changed? What is still the same? And if nothing else changed, would I still want to stay?
Step 4: Give yourself space to decide.
A counter-offer can feel flattering, and the sudden attention from your employer can make staying seem more appealing than it did a few days ago. Try not to let that feeling drive the decision.
Give yourself some time away from the conversation. Talk it through with someone you trust, compare the two options, and think about where each one could take you in the next few years.
Sample Template for Asking for More Time
Hi [Manager’s Name],
Thank you for putting this offer together. I really appreciate you taking the time to discuss the changes, and I want to give the offer the consideration it deserves.
Would it be possible for me to take until [specific date] to decide?
In the meantime, could you please share [written offer/updated job description/details about the new role/timeline for changes]? Having those details in writing would help me make an informed decision.
I appreciate your patience. I’ll get back to you by [date].
Best,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
A counter-offer can fix a pay problem, but it won’t always fix a fit problem.
If you wanted to leave because of the role, culture, or workload, a bigger number on your paycheck might only delay the same decision. Sometimes, the best career move is recognizing that your current workplace no longer feels right.
If you've decided your current role no longer aligns with your career goals, Curran Daly & Associates can help you explore opportunities that better match your experience, ambitions, and expectations.
Ready to explore your next career move? Contact us to discover opportunities that could be a better fit.
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