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When you receive a job offer while already employed, the first question to ask yourself is simple: Do you actually want the job? Are you looking for a way to leverage the offer for a better deal with your current employer? Or does this new opportunity genuinely spark your interest and align with your long-term goals? Being clear about your intentions is key to shaping your response strategy. At The Happy Mondays Co., we help individuals navigate these pivotal moments through our unique approach to career coaching, empowering them to make decisions that align with their authentic goals.
If you're seeking a raise or better terms, this could be an excellent moment to negotiate with your current employer.
On the other hand, if you're ready for a fresh challenge, a thoughtful transition could lead to exciting new career possibilities. Clarity about your true motivations not only empowers you to make the right decision but also sets you on a path toward a more fulfilling future. After all, the best decisions come from a place of intention and confidence.
If the offer has caught your attention and you're genuinely considering making a change, it's important to take a structured approach to ensure this is a decision that aligns with your long-term career goals.
When considering a job offer, don’t limit yourself to just the salary figure. Collect all the relevant information about the compensation package, including holidays, medical benefits, bonus schemes, retirement plans, and any other perks. Each of these elements plays a significant role in your overall job satisfaction and financial well-being. Additionally, gather details on the potential for growth, such as opportunities for learning, promotions, or new challenges. Take note of how the role aligns with your personal and professional values. Finally, collect information about work-life balance factors, such as commute, hours, flexibility, and cultural fit, to get a complete picture.
If you realize you don’t have the answers to any of these details, or if there are other factors important to you that you need clarity on, don’t hesitate to ask for more information. Making a decision based on assumptions can be risky, so ensure you have all the facts before moving forward.
Once you've gathered all the data, it's time to evaluate the offer. Start by comparing the compensation and benefits against your current role to see how they measure up. But go further—evaluate how the offer aligns with your career ambitions and aspirations. Does this role help you get closer to your long-term goals? Consider the growth opportunities and the potential for learning, promotions, or new challenges in the context of what's realistic and possible in the market. Think about how the role fits within the broader industry landscape and how it compares to other opportunities out there. Balancing your current job's stability with the future potential of the new role is key to making a well-informed decision.
Ensure that the role aligns with your career objectives and adds to your professional growth. This is where understanding what you truly want in your career becomes essential. If you're unsure, this should be your first step—take time to reflect on your goals.
It’s perfectly acceptable to request some time to consider the offer. A 48 to 72-hour window is typically seen as respectful and standard in most industries. A simple, professional response could look like this:
“Thank you for offering me the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to join the team. Please allow me a couple of days to carefully evaluate the offer, and I will get back to you with any questions I may have.”
If the job offer doesn’t fully meet your expectations, consider making a counter-offer. Before you do, take time to reflect on your top priorities—what’s most important to you, such as salary, benefits, growth potential, or work-life balance. Consider what changes you’re willing to accept and identify your breaking point—what’s your ideal outcome, and what are you unwilling to compromise on?
Once you've identified the changes you’d like, communicate everything in one go and be prepared to explain why you’re asking for changes. This avoids unnecessary back-and-forth and shows respect for the employer’s time.
A counter-offer should be seen as a negotiation, not a demand. Be open to discussion but stay firm on what matters most for your career and personal goals. If the employer can’t meet your needs, you’ll need to decide whether to accept the original offer, stay in your current role, or look for other opportunities.
Once you’ve evaluated everything and are confident in your decision, respond promptly. If you accept the offer, make sure to resign from your current role professionally and give appropriate notice. Communicating respectfully with your current employer will ensure that you leave on good terms, maintaining valuable professional relationships for the future.
In this scenario, a career coach from The Happy Mondays Co. offers more than just standard guidance. We take a deeply personalized, holistic approach, helping you connect with your authentic career aspirations and guiding you to see the bigger picture.
Rather than simply weighing numbers and titles, we help you reflect on what truly drives you—whether it’s growth, alignment with your values, or the opportunity to make an impact. Whether you’re navigating the excitement of a new opportunity or negotiating terms that align with your goals, our approach ensures that every decision is made with a clear purpose.
At The Happy Mondays Co. (THMC), we can support individuals navigating a job offer or counter-offer situation by providing guidance through the decision-making process and ensuring they approach it strategically. Here’s how:
Clarifying Priorities: We help clients identify their top priorities—whether it’s salary, benefits, work-life balance, or career growth—so they can make informed decisions and feel confident in what they’re asking for.
Evaluating the Offer: We guide clients in comparing the new offer to their current role, taking into account both the tangible and intangible factors that impact long-term career satisfaction. This includes assessing potential growth opportunities, alignment with personal values, and overall job fit.
Crafting the Counter-Offer: If the offer doesn’t meet their needs, we assist clients in crafting a clear and effective counter-offer. We help them prioritize the key areas they want to negotiate, ensuring they communicate their requests professionally and with respect for the employer’s time.
Building Confidence: We provide the tools and mindset to approach these conversations with confidence, knowing that they are advocating for their career aspirations in a thoughtful and strategic way.
Decision Support: We support clients in evaluating their options and making decisions based on what will truly benefit their career in the long run, helping them avoid risky assumptions and ensuring they’re making a choice aligned with their goals.
If you’re generally happy with your current role but feel underpaid or undervalued, a job offer from elsewhere could serve as a powerful tool to initiate the conversation you’ve been hesitating to have with your employer. However, using the offer as leverage comes with its own set of considerations.
The moment you share that you have another offer, there’s a risk that trust may be affected. Your employer could start to question your commitment or even begin to rethink your involvement in strategic projects. This is why you need to weigh the consequences carefully—are you ready for that potential shift in dynamics?
Before you approach your employer, be clear about your goals. Do you want a higher salary, a promotion, or more responsibilities? And what’s the timeline you're willing to consider for this change to happen? It’s essential to know exactly what you want to gain from this negotiation and to be specific about it. This clarity will help you approach the conversation with confidence and purpose.
Think through all the possible responses you might receive from your employer—whether it’s a positive result, a counteroffer, or a refusal. For each scenario, consider what your next steps will be. Are you willing to stay if they can’t meet your requests? Or, would you feel compelled to leave if the offer is declined? Being prepared for any outcome helps you stay calm and strategic during the conversation.
When it’s time to bring up the external offer with your boss, timing and approach are key. Choose a moment when your boss isn’t overwhelmed with other challenges, as this will increase the chances of a productive conversation. Avoid doing so during stressful periods, and instead, opt for a calm and well-considered approach. Frame the discussion around your growth, positioning the external offer as a reflection of your market value, rather than using it as an ultimatum. Emphasize the unique value you bring to the organization and express how you see yourself continuing to grow within it. This thoughtful approach demonstrates professionalism and maximizes the potential for a positive outcome.
Finally, be honest with yourself. If your employer doesn’t meet your expectations, are you ready to accept the new offer? Leverage is only effective if you’re truly prepared to walk away. Using an offer as leverage can backfire if you aren’t willing to make a change.
At The Happy Mondays Co. (THMC), we can help guide individuals through the process of leveraging a job offer to initiate a conversation with their current employer. We provide support in several key ways:
Strategic Conversation Planning: We help clients carefully plan the timing and approach of the conversation, ensuring they choose the right moment to bring up the offer and frame the discussion effectively. By emphasizing their value and growth potential, we ensure the conversation stays professional and positive.
Clarifying Goals: We assist in identifying clear, actionable goals for the conversation—whether it’s a salary increase, more responsibilities, or better work-life balance—so clients know exactly what they want to achieve before speaking with their boss.
Scenario Preparation: We help clients prepare for all possible outcomes by discussing the potential responses from their employer and what steps they could take for each scenario. This reduces stress and ensures clients feel confident no matter how the conversation unfolds.
Professional Confidence: We provide coaching and support to boost confidence, ensuring clients feel empowered to approach the conversation thoughtfully, without feeling like they’re making demands. This preparation helps them approach the negotiation with a calm, professional demeanor.
If you’re torn between staying and leaving, it’s natural to feel conflicted. This is a pivotal moment in your career, and the best way to navigate it is by reflecting deeply on your career goals and priorities.
What are the main priorities in my life right now?
Does the new role align better with where I want to go in my career?
What will I gain or lose by leaving my current job?
Am I satisfied in my current role, or am I staying simply out of comfort?
Which decision will have the greatest impact on my long-term career growth?
Taking the time to answer these questions can offer clarity and help you see the bigger picture. It’s essential to think beyond immediate gains and reflect on where each opportunity will take you in the future.
When you’re unsure, seeking guidance can be invaluable. At The Happy Mondays Co., our career coaches specialize in helping individuals like you navigate uncertain career decisions. We’ll help you break down the pros and cons, clarify your goals, and gain insight into what aligns with your deeper aspirations. Whether it’s exploring the long-term impact of a new opportunity or understanding how staying fits into your broader vision, we provide the tools and support to make an informed, empowered decision.
Whether you're seeking clarity on a job offer or figuring out the best way to leverage your current position, we’re here to guide you. At The Happy Mondays Co., we’ll help you make decisions that align with your goals and shape the future you’ve always envisioned. Let’s chart your path forward—together.
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Founded in 2016, The Happy Mondays Co. empowers individuals, companies, and communities to achieve success on their own terms. Awarded top career coach in Singapore and Melbourne, we pride ourselves with an evidence-based approach grounded in empathy, candour, and confidentiality.
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