Hi everyone,

Hi everyone,

My husband recently started a new job that is requiring us to relocate. As a result I began a job search, found a job and accepted an offer.

This week I tried to put in my notice and my boss asked me if I would be willing to stay if they let me work remote and matched the salary I was offered.

I love my company and was super sad to leave so I’ve decided to accept the offer from my current employer.

If you’ve made it this far, I am asking for advice on how to professionally communicate this change to the company I accepted the offer from.

Thanks!

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

20 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Jackie Ruka

    Let the other company know asap so they can offer another candidate the position.
    Be honest, tell them you current employer worked out a remote role for you that you did not expect and decided to stay put , thank them for the opportunity and move on!

  2. Carli Garcia

    "that you did not expect" is key

  3. Anonymous

    I would be as transparent as possible. Let them know you never saw this competitive offer coming and was caught off guard
    and you adore your company and have decided to stay.

    Thank them for their offer and wish them well.

  4. Anonymous

    I agree; honesty is the best policy. And please tell them that you let them know immediately and are not telling them you plan on staying as a negotiating tactic. As a hiring manager, this has happened to me and I am understanding that things don't always work out. I have personally never held it against anyone who got a counter-offer and decided to stay.

  5. Janelle Thomas

    What a blessing! I would say that the best thing to do is let the company know immediately especially since this was completely unexpected. I'm sure that the company will be appreciative, so that they can offer another candidate the position. Best of luck to you and your Husband!

  6. Rachel Schreiber

    That's great! I would send an email and ask for a call with HR. On the phone, I would be thankful and appreciative buy let them know that your current employer countered their offer and you have decided to accept and stay with them. You don't owe any more details than that. Keep in mind that Hiring Managers are trained to keep the candidate pipeline full for instances like this, so they likely have other folks they can move along in the process. Don't feel guilty, you might actually be making someone's day by opening room for them in this role.

  7. Valerie

    Did your current company know you were relocating? I have a lot of Q about this before I can suggest anything. For example, did you hide the relo and then tell them or did they know and said nothing until you told them you were leaving?

  8. Kelley

    Everyone has their reasons for rejecting an offer. I’d say as long as you’re respectful in your approach, that’s all you need to do. Let them know you appreciate the opportunity but your current employer countered and you’ve decided to stay on at your current job.

  9. Christy K. Hanthorn

    Exactly as you just did with us--that you hated leaving a good employer and didn't know staying (remotely) was an option till they offered. Be sincere and grateful for the opportunity. I'm sure they will appreciate it even if it's an inconvenience. And do it sooner rather than later so they can get someone else on board.

  10. Cheryl J.

    I agree. Great advice Christy.

  11. Jacquelyn Lloyd

    Just say that. Congratulations!

  12. Anonymous

    I would take the offer. Once you have given your notice it shows disloyalty and they may retain you only to let you go down the road. I would take the new offer at the new company. Never a good idea ti stay after you have given your notice.

  13. Jennifer Howe

    That is amazing! It sounds like the company you currently work for truly appreciates you.
    Congratulations!!!

    As far as the other company goes, I would just simply tell them that you appreciate their offer, however at this time, your current company has provided you with an offer to stay on board and work remotely. I would also stat that if something should change with your current company, you would be grateful to be considered for future opportunities with the other company.

  14. Anonymous

    All the advice is great, maybe make a list of pros and cons, and check in with your heart- what do you want most, and what would be best for you. Either situation may not work out later on. Also you could be rehired by either later. This has happened to me 3 times
    (Over 40 years) Congrats on being desired !

  15. Rosa Goes

    Congrats on working for a company that values your talents! I would let them know that your boss matched the salary, you love your job, and the only reason you were looking was due to relocation. Thank them for the offer and that you would like to keep in touch. You didn't mention if it was the same industry. If yes, then you may run into them again and it's always good to stay connected.

  16. Anonymous

    Let them know as soon as possible. That your current company wants to keep you is a good sign to the other company as well, even if that means that the other company will not 'get' you. Emphasize the remote work arrangement, and not the salary, and make sure that they know it is not a negotiating tactic. Be professional and it will not burn any bridges for the future.

    But keep in mind that you need to be confident that you will get a real offer from your current employer, not that they are playing games and you end up with nothing.

  17. Renee Radcliff Sinclair

    Reach out to them and let the new company know as soon as you can. Let them know that your current company, which you respect and enjoy working for, has made you an offer you can't refuse. They will understand. This actually speaks very well of you...and they will get it.

  18. Jocelyn Lyons

    I agree with the advice below. I would let them know that the offer from your current company was not anticipated but ultimately was an offer that simply makes the most sense for you.

  19. Carli Garcia

    Well said.

  20. Anonymous

    Lessons learned - be transparent from the beginning. Why not let your employer know your husband is relocating. I am sure that was not a mystery if you are so connected in a company. That discussion would have come up before you even begin to look for a job. When I state disloyalty, I am familiar with how companies operate. Many times when you give a notice it’s a good idea to proceed forward. Time will tell it always does what the best course of action was to take. Nothing is ever set in stone.

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members