Post · bonfire.cafe

I accepted a counteroffer early in my career. It was one of my biggest mistakes.

I had been at my job for 2 years and I had an offer from another company. It came with a better title, more money, and remote work.

When I resigned, my boss asked for 24 hours. They came back with a salary match & a verbal promise. They said a promotion was coming next quarter.

My gut told me to leave. My friends told me to leave. But I stayed because I wanted to believe them.

Next quarter arrived.

There was no promotion. They told me the budget was frozen until the end of the year.

When the end of the year came, a reorg hit. My boss was let go. My role got dumped into a larger team. The promised promotion track vanished.

The other company filled the role I interviewed for, a month later.

Companies “promise” counteroffers because buying themselves more time is cheaper than finding your replacement.

Always get everything in writing. Or just walk away.