When accepting a counteroffer is a good idea

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.