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Got a counter-offer from current boss, take it or leave?
Handed in resignation for a new job. Now my current company suddenly matches the new salary and promises a promotion "soon". Everyone says never accept counter-offers but the number is tempting. Real experiences?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 12 hours ago ·1,123 views ·4 answers
Best Answer
Fresh Grad Bro Ryan Beginner First-hand experience Graduated last year, kena rejected many times before landing job, can share resume and interview reality.
I accepted a counter-offer once and regretted it within 6 months. Here's why: the reasons I wanted to leave (bad manager, no growth) didn't change, only the pay did, and money stops feeling like enough once the novelty wears off. Worse, they now saw me as a flight risk, so I was quietly passed over for the next real opportunity and the promised promotion "soon" never materialised. The extra money they gave me was cheaper for them than recruiting my replacement, that's the cold truth. Ask yourself why you started interviewing in the first place. If it was purely pay, maybe the counter works. If it was culture, boss, or growth, the counter fixes none of that. I'd take the new job and not look back.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
Take the new job. The counter-offer proves they could have paid you more all along and chose not to until you threatened to leave. That tells you exactly how they value you. Go somewhere that pays you properly from day one.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
Statistically most counter-offer accepters leave within a year anyway. But I won't say never, one friend accepted, got the promotion in writing with a date, and it worked out. Key word: in writing, with a date. "Soon" is worthless. If your boss can't put the promotion timeline and title on paper, it's just a retention tactic to buy time to find your replacement.
Property Sis Cheryl Beginner First-hand experience Agent who helps young couples decide BTO, resale or EC, I run the numbers with you no pressure to buy.
Also consider the relationship damage. Once you've resigned, some bosses hold a grudge even while smiling and counter-offering. You've shown your hand. In a small SG industry where everyone knows everyone, weigh how the new company will feel if you renege after accepting their offer, that bridge burns too. Reputation here travels fast lah.
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