Throwaway.
I know that in other countries, taking a counteroffer at your current place usually does not work out, and a lot of people are let go soon after anyway. However, given how it’s more difficult to lay people off in Japan, does the same apply here?
I feel like I am very underpaid at my current company (6.2M base + 1.1 M bonus + 300k RSU/yr) with 8 YOE. There is a review cycle coming up in April, where I will get promoted (into management), but I am looking at a maximum raise of maybe 15-20%, bringing my total comp up to 8.6M – 8.9M. We don’t make 100% of our bonuses all the time. The job, however, is, very relaxed, with tons of PTO, almost fully remote (you don’t come in unless you absolutely need to), and, zero overtime. I also have a great working relationship with my peers and the management. I love the job, but the salary is a major issue.
I also have a new job offer for a principal-level IC position (12M, 100% base, no bonus), but this job has fewer PTO days and some expectations of overtime/weekend work. They are a big company outside Japan (think S&P 100), but their presence here is limited.
If I quit my current job, I am confident that they will try to counter with something close to my new offer. I’d accept in a heartbeat, but I am worried it will land me on the chopping block when there’s a round of layoffs. I have been trying to negotiate salary over the past year but to no avail (our hands are tied, etc, you know the usual corporate spiel).
What would you do in my situation?
6 comments
I think this is a question for your willingness to work overtime/weekends, and how much of that would be expected if you took the principal offer. I personally value work-life balance, so depending on those expectations, I’d balk, but I’m not you, so…
It depends.
Though you may not be let go after this counteroffer scenario there are plenty of ugly ways to make someone’s presence a living hell if there was interest in doing so. But you know your company better than us.
My guess would be the third wheel company here probably wants to work you to you are figuratively eligible to be in the burnable trash bag.
But your company wants to promote you in April, right? If this was me I would stay and look forward to the promotion.
It might be anecdotal evidence, but my company seems to operate on “dont negotiate with terrorists, unless they are successful” guideline, so when person stays on 15% counteroffer – he is replaced ASAP.
But if you leave for ~1 year, then company actually scouts you back with insane +50-100% compensation adjustments.
Unless there are some exceptional circumstances, counter offers are just temporary damage control and you will be flagged as a high risk employee. They will keep you on board but probably plan and strategize a future that doesn’t depend on you.
Also, what does it say about them if they could have given you the money and higher position all this time but didn’t do so until you threatened them?
> but I am worried it will land me on the chopping block when there’s a round of layoffs.
Are you on permanent employment (正社員)?
If so, then you can’t be fired, so don’t even worry about it.
You won’t end up on the chopping block. From what you describe it sounds like their comp schemes are very different and I doubt they’ll be able to completely match your offer.
The bigger issue is that when people accept a counter offer it’s usually just a short term fix. The actual underlying issue and reason why someone starts looking outside is not solved so it’s just a question of time until people decide to leave after all.
In your case it sounds like it’s purely the financial aspect. That’s a difficult one. As important as money is, is it worth giving up the good work relationship with your manager and peers plus all the flexibility you currently have?
Also depends on where you’re at in your personal life. If you’re planning on having kids and taking time off, that might be more difficult with the company you got an offer from.