Should I take the new job or take the counter offer?

Question

I know this is a sticky situation, and most people will tell me to take the new job.  Real quick background, the potential new company would be a big conglomerate employing multiple thousands of people and my current company has about 200.

When I went to give my notice to my current company, they countered with not only a greater salary than with the new company, but also by accelerating their plans for the future growth of  my position.

I wanted to make sure I had a good reason to turn down the counter offer and to compare the jobs, so I reviewed the notes I took during the interviews.  I saw a discrepancy between what the interviewers were telling me that the job consisted of versus what the actual job description is.  This worries me because it is a new position and a new department (I would be first hire) and if the job was what was stated in the interview it is not a job that I would like.

However, another thing to note is that I verbally told them and signed an offer letter (from what I read, it is not legally binding).

My question is, is it too late to go back to the new company and ask for clarification, should I just accept the new job, or should I accept the counter offer?

Judy · Answer

ask for clarification, then decide.

Mamawidsom · Answer

First, if you sign an offer letter it is an official document.  No, a company cannot force you to work for them, so I'm not sure what your concern is regarding "legally binding.  You can always ask more questions of the prospective employer and you should whether or not you ultimately decide to take the job.

What this comes down to is WHY were you seeking a new job at a different company and which offer best fulfills those reasons.  For example, if you want to work for a large corporation, your current employer can't meet that requirement.  If you just wanted more money, your current employer is now offering you the highest salary.

Steve D · Answer

Go back to your pros and cons list and add in the correct column what job duties are for the new job based upon the interviewers' comments.  Very rarely is a printed job description accurate (there is always an "Other duties as assigned" out) and the interviewers description will be more accurate.  You note that the verbal description is not something you want to do so ask yourself - can you tolerate doing the described job (not the job description on paper) at a lower pay rate than what is being offered by your current company.  Then ask yourself - why were you looking for a new job - if it was money only, you succeeded.

Joe · Answer

How much do you trust your current employer?

As often as not, the counter-offer made under these conditions is just to buy time until they can replace you at THEIR convenience.  They already know that you're not happy where you are.

That the new company's job description is evolving wouldn't worry me too much.

I think that if you stay where you are, you'll be a "short-timer" - whether you know it or not.

Anonymous · Answer

you can only play that card ONCE at your old job ...............but, your decision ...............

Should I take the new job or take the counter offer?

5 Answers