If “resignation” is word that strikes fear into all employers, then “counteroffer” is one that strikes fear into an employee’s heart. “What should I do? They’ve matched my offer?”

It’s Friday afternoon. You walk into your boss’ office and ask question that has sent scared many a managers —“Do you have a minute,” you ask. At that moment, he knows you’re resigning and if he/she wants you, they will have to fight to keep you.

“Why? We love you. Please stay! Don’t go! What do we have to do to keep you?”

Recently, two people who accepted an offer from a client of mine called me to tell me that they accepted a counteroffer to remain with their current firm. The one who had been with his current firm for twelve years seemed to make a decision that made sense; other, however, had pleaded to get a fulltime job and leave consulting. His assignment was ending and he said he wanted stability of a fulltime job. Earning $45 per hour without benefits, he accepted a small increase in his hourly rate, rather than a fulltime salary of $93000 plus bonus and great benefits from an employer that he kept begging me to get him to see for a job that he said he loved. Why? He told me, “They need me. (as though my client didn’t.; as though loss of revenue for his consulting firm and difficulty they would have replacing him quickly at client didn’t bother them a wee bit). ”

Between moment you quit and your departure date, your employer may try to persuade you to stay. Your mentor in firm calls to talk with you. Your colleagues ask you to lunch and want to know why you’re going, where and for how much. Your boss’ boss asks to meet you. You are now most important person at your company. You’re asked, “What will it take to keep you?” And this goes on for two weeks.

Of course not! You can’t think your way to a new career – or, at least you can’t 99% of time.

The truth is that career change is no walk in park. It takes focus, a smart strategy and guts.

Focus Anyone can start their career change effort with vigor. But keeping your fires burning for duration of your journey is another story. Given roadblocks and absence of any hard deadlines, it’s just kind of “priority” that can fall through cracks of your busy life.

The key is to create an environment of accountability. Here are four ways to do this:

1.Schedule your career change activities into your weekly calendar. As Steven Covey would say, make it a “big rock” priority. 2.Register for a class or workshop that keeps you engaged and focused for an extended period of time. 3.Career change can’t be done in a vacuum. Work with a mentor or coach who has a good business head and market perspective. 4.Know exactly what you hope to gain from your career change. A clear and compelling personal benefit is your secret weapon to hanging in there for duration of your journey.