I can't tell you how many times I have read career advice articles imploring the reader to never, ever consider accepting a counteroffer. The advice giver, usually a well respected and well-read headhunter, explains that when you accept a counteroffer, you are just giving your employer time to find your replacement.
Working as the only computer technician in a small to medium sized business had taken its toll on me, especially since there was a long commute involved. I received an offer from a local employer that was comparable in size, duties and compensation to my previous position. Because it was closer to home, I accepted the offer.
When I submitted my resignation, I was shocked to receive a counteroffer that included a perk I had never before considered - working from home three days a week. In addition, the counteroffer included a promise to find a junior staffer to take care of the endless user support requests that stood in the way of progress on projects.
I thought long and hard about the counteroffer. I considered what I had read from the headhunter. I consulted with friends and sought their advice. In the end, I accepted the counteroffer. Why? I stuck with the job because I trusted my employer. I know what you're thinking. "What a fool! How could you be so gullible?"
Look, I'll admit that I'm no expert on career counseling. My area of expertise is running tech support for small businesses. So I hope you'll forgive me for stepping out of the box on this one. I'm just going to throw this out for consideration. To have a successful working relationship with the boss, there has got to be some trust.
I hope I'm not a rarity in the business world. It's been almost a year and I'm still with the company. The boss made good on his promise and got me a full-time junior to take over the help desk issues. I spend my time on projects for managers and executives. Working from home most of the time has been a blast.
