Receiving a counteroffer after expressing your intent to leave can be flattering. Your employer may offer a salary increase, a promotion or better benefits to convince you to stay. But before accepting, it’s worth asking whether the offer addresses the reasons you wanted to leave in the first place.

For Vietnamese professionals weighing their next career move, the decision isn’t always straightforward. Here’s what to consider before making your decision.

1. Revisit Why You Wanted to Leave

Before comparing offers, think about what prompted your job search. Was it mainly about salary, or were you frustrated by limited career progression, poor management, excessive workloads or a lack of flexibility?

If your main concern was compensation, a counteroffer might address it. However, if you felt overlooked for promotion or struggled with your manager, more money may not resolve the underlying problem.

Write down your three main reasons for wanting to leave. For each one, ask whether your employer’s counteroffer offers a clear, realistic improvement. If several concerns remain unresolved, you might need to rethink whether staying is the right move.

2. Assess Whether the Salary Increase Is Worth It

A higher salary is often the most immediate benefit of a counteroffer. However, don’t accept it without considering your market value and the full compensation package.

Compare the revised salary with your new offer, taking into account bonuses, insurance, leave entitlements, working hours and other benefits. Consider also future salary reviews and whether the revised package is sustainable.

Check whether the increase reflects your responsibilities and experience, rather than simply being enough to persuade you to stay. If you’re unsure what similar positions pay, speaking with recruitment consultants in Ho Chi Minh City who understand your industry may help you gain a clearer picture.

3. Look at Your Long-Term Career Prospects

A counteroffer might include a promotion, new responsibilities or a promise of career advancement. Before accepting, find out what these changes mean in practice. Will you have greater decision-making authority? Is there a defined timeline for promotion? Will you gain experience that prepares you for more senior roles?

In its 2025 article on employee loyalty in Vietnam, RMIT University noted that traditional, seniority-based promotion structures can leave ambitious professionals feeling overlooked. Career development and opportunities to build new skills can influence whether employees choose to stay or move on.

This is particularly relevant if you’re aiming for a management position or a C-suite role. A higher salary may be attractive now, but the right position should also help you develop the leadership skills and experience you’ll need in the future.

Ask your employer to clarify any proposed changes to your title, responsibilities, reporting line and development plan. If these commitments are vague, weigh them carefully against the concrete opportunities available in the new role.

4. Consider Workplace Culture and Job Satisfaction

Think about how you feel in your current workplace. Do you trust your manager? Are your contributions valued? Can you raise concerns openly? Does the working environment allow you to perform at your best?

Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2026 report found that only 9% of employees in Vietnam were engaged at work, compared with 25% across Southeast Asia and 20% globally. This is an indication of why job satisfaction deserves attention alongside salary.

If your employer offers better pay but nothing changes about the management style, workload or workplace culture, the same frustrations may return. Identify the specific changes that would make your working life better. Ask whether your employer can commit to them and how progress will be reviewed. Promises are more meaningful when they’re supported by clear actions.

5. Weigh the Risks of Staying Against Moving On

Accepting a counteroffer may mean avoiding the uncertainty of starting somewhere new. On the other hand, moving can introduce you to different ways of working, broaden your professional network and expose you to new responsibilities. The challenge is determining whether those benefits outweigh the risks.

Gallup’s 2026 report also found that 78% of employees in Vietnam believed it was a good time to find a job in their local area, compared with 64% across Southeast Asia. This reflects employees’ perceptions of local job conditions, rather than a guarantee that suitable roles are available in every profession.

Before deciding, research the prospective employer, clarify the role’s expectations and consider its long-term stability. Don’t resign based on assumptions about the external market. If you decide to move, make sure you understand the written offer, employment terms, responsibilities and expectations before committing.

If you’re pursuing a senior position, a professional headhunter agency in Vietnam may also provide insights into the role and the expectations of the hiring company.

6. Make Your Decision Based on More Than a Promise

Once you’ve considered the salary, career prospects, workplace culture and risks, compare what each option offers.

If you accept the counteroffer, ask for revised terms and any agreed changes to your role in writing. Clarify when salary adjustments take effect and how promised responsibilities or promotion opportunities will be implemented.

If you decide to leave, maintain a positive relationship with your employer. Give appropriate notice, document your work and support a smooth handover. Your reputation and network can remain valuable throughout your career.

Remember that neither option is automatically better. A counteroffer can be worthwhile if it addresses your concerns and gives you a credible reason to stay. Moving on may be the better choice if the new role aligns more closely with your goals.

How ASW Consulting Can Help With Your Career Move

Deciding whether to accept a counteroffer or pursue a new role takes careful consideration. Understanding your options, knowing your value in the job market and finding a position that aligns with your career goals can help you make a more informed decision.

ASW Consulting works with employers in the Southeast Asian region to find highly qualified talent whose skills and experience match their requirements. Our services include recruitment process outsourcing in Vietnam and C-suite recruitment in Ho Chi Minh City.

As a trusted recruitment agency in Vietnam and Thailand, we have insights into the skills employers seek and salary guides for a wide variety of industries. Contact us today and let our talent acquisition sourcing experts in Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok assist you in planning your next career move.

 

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