What to do...

[pinkdaisy]

So, I recently accepted a new job. However, when word got out at my current job that I was leaving, major figures in the administration approached me to get me to stay. I was offered more money, and a chance to basically create the kind of position that I want here, which would incorporate the event planning that i currently do, with the strategic planning stuff that I want to do and would be leaving my current position to pursue. Although I know that it is probably standard to receive some kind of counteroffer, part of me is actually considering it. I genuinely like the people that I work with and the work that I do. Also, I know that the place I am currently working is more highly regarded than the insitution I will be leaving for. I wonder if by leaving I would some how be hurting myself in the long run. I suddenly feel that the job I accepted would ultimately be a bad choice, but I know how bad it looks to renege on a job offer. Has anyone ever been faced with a situation/feeling like this? What did you do? I feel like I now have such a negative attitude towards a job I was previously excited about...

[winneythepooh7]

I think things like this happen all the time. I have gone back to agencies after leaving in the past, if they offered me a better deal. This is why it is very important to leave any company on good terms. With the exception of like one program at one agency, and one job that is too far away, I would consider going back to other agencies if what they could offer me suited what I was looking for professionally and needs wise.

[LakeJay]

I think you need to figure out why you were going to leave your current place. If it was the money, it sounds like it's been resolved and then some. I understand what you mean about how renegging(sp?) on the new company would look but you have to do what is best for you. Chances are they have other candidates that they can refer to. Offer your apologies and explain why you have to decline the offer now. From what I am reading, it sounds like it might be better for you to stay.

[caostotale]

I think you need to figure out why you were going to leave your current place. If it was the money, it sounds like it's been resolved and then some.

The only bad side of the original company is that they apparantly didn't realize you were a value until you threatened to leave and your higher-ups decided they wanted to continue to not have your responsibilities. Typical interpersonal brinkmanship and exploitation, but it's the same everywhere. At a new company, you'll spend the first 6 months having to feel incredibly fortunate that you were granted such a righteous opportunity.

[LakeJay]

The only bad side of the original company is that they apparantly didn't realize you were a value until you threatened to leave and your higher-ups decided they wanted to continue to not have your responsibilities. Typical interpersonal brinkmanship and exploitation, but it's the same everywhere. At a new company, you'll spend the first 6 months having to feel incredibly fortunate that you were granted such a righteous opportunity.

That's true. But it sounds like that last part about "feeling fortunate" at the new place might be tough especially with what original company came up with as a counteroffer.

[pinkdaisy]

Thanks for the comments. The reason I wanted to leave in the first place had to do with some issues with the administration. Those look like they are on their way to being resolved, but it may be awhile before things totally settle down. So even with more money and different responsibilities, I don't think much of what I was frustrated about will change, at least not for another year or so. While it was initally flattering to think that I was so wanted by my current company, the more I think about it, the more I realize that, as you said caostotale, they don't really want to either take on my responsibilites or deal with replacing me, especially given all that's going on there at this time. It's probably best just to go...I was reading a statistic about counteroffers that said that most people who accept them wind up leaving in 6 mos. to a year anyway, and that sometimes employers still question their loyalty to the company. I don't want to end up in that situation either.

[winneythepooh7]

I was in a similar situation a few months back and ended up leaving. While I am not feeling totally settled yet at my new job (and there's also issues galore there as well with administration stuff too primarily), it probably was for the best. I was starting to feel stagnant there and like it was only me doing the work. While the owners of the company were genuinely nice people, and I felt really bad leaving, at the same time, I knew I had outgrown the company. I think sometimes we begin to question ourselves as well when we are faced with any major change, especially in our day-to-day routine we are so used to.

[pinkdaisy]

I think sometimes we begin to question ourselves as well when we are faced with any major change, especially in our day-to-day routine we are so used to.

You are definately right about questioning things in times of major change. I do this all the time--I'm a chronic overthinker! I think I just need to stick with what my intial gut feeling which was to take the new job. I've been too caught up in thinking about what other people will think of me and the choices I made, instead of just being concerned with what's best for me at this time.