You are one of the fortunate few who have not been downsized. However, your current job isnt exactly fulfilling. Perhaps it isnt what you enjoy doing. Maybe the hours are too long. Perhaps you are having some conflicts with your supervisor. Your salary may not be on par with average job salaries for the same type and level of position, or not come close to what you feel you are worth. Whatever the reason(s), you have decided to enter into a job search.

So you begin your job search. You work hard and spend quite a bit of time searching for your new job. Your efforts are finally rewarded; you have received an offer. Congratulations! Now comes the hard part. Wait a minute! Did I just say now comes the hard part? What am I talking about? The hard part is finding your new job, isnt it?

If you are employed while searching for a job, you must inform your present employer that you have received an offer of employment elsewhere. When you give notice, two things can happen. Either your present employer will accept, with regret, your decision, or they will do whatever they can to persuade you to stay.

Your present employer probably spent a lot of time and money hiring and then training you. They are accustomed to your work habits and abilities, and know you work in harmony with your peers. You have achieved a number of accomplishments during your tenure there. To find your replacement at this juncture would be costly.

Your company will most likely attempt to retain you with a counter-offer.

A counter-offer represents the companys monetary sense of what its going to take to retain you as an employee. It will be fashioned as an offer difficult to refuse, and include a substantial increase in your compensation along with whatever other perks are deemed necessary to win you back. What should you do?

The answer can be found in the reason you went looking elsewhere in the first place. If you accept the counter-offer, you will make more money, but in every other respect, your situation will remain the same. You need to ask yourself if the added income and perks will let you overcome whatever it was that caused your lack of fulfillment. Temporarily, you may be satiated, but you will most likely reach a point where you eventually seek a new position.

While it may be difficult to turn down a counter-offer, it may be your best option. The sooner you find yourself in a more fulfilling position, the more creative and happier you will be.

Copyright 2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.

David Richter

David Richter is a recognized authority on career coaching and job search support. He has spent many years in recruitment, staffing, outplacement, counseling psychology and career management. David understands the mechanisms for success. He has formulated specific strategies anyone can use to secure interviews and receive offers.

His extensive knowledge and experience sets David apart in this field, allowing him to offer a wealth of information and a vast array of tools, resources and strategies not found anywhere else. He has shown countless job seekers how to differentiate themselves and leverage their potential to the highest possible level, making a real difference in their careers.

David holds both a Bachelors and Masters in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology. Author of many books and articles, ?Winning The Resume Game - Insider Secrets To Creating Powerful Resumes? is his first book which has received superlative endorsements from customers and site visitors. Complete information on all of David's books, free tips, tools, strategies and other career resources is available at his website.