They may beg you to stay now, then give you the boot later:

So, you've received an offer for a new a position with growth potential and a moderate increase in compensation. You've analyzed and stressed out about the possible career change and decided to accept this new and exciting offer. Then, while tendering your resignation, your boss begs you to stay. This is what's known as the dreaded counteroffer.

The "Plastics" industry has changed (Ooh, imagine that!). These days, receiving a counteroffer has practically become the norm. But beware, it's merely a last ditch effort for your boss to save face with his boss! Since buyback gestures can create confusion and buyers remorse, you should understand what's being cast upon you. Counteroffers are typically made in conjunction with some form of flattery.

Have you heard any of these?
You're too valuable, and we need you.
You can't desert the team/your friends and leave them hanging.
We were just about to give you a promotion/raise, and it was confidential until now.
What did they offer, why are you leaving, and what do you need to stay?
Why would you want to work for that company?
The President/CEO wants to meet with you before you make your final decision.

Of course, since we all prefer to believe that we're the "Michael Jordan " of the plastics industry its natural to want to believe these manipulative gestures, but beware! Accepting a counteroffer is often the wrong choice to make.

Accepting a counteroffer brings several negative consequences:
*Where did the additional money or responsibility you'd get come from? Was it your next raise or promotion-just given early? Will you be limited in the future? Will you have to threaten to quit to get your next raise? Might a (cheaper) replacement be sought out?
*You've demonstrated your unhappiness (or lack of blind loyalty), and will be perceived as having committed blackmail to gain a raise. You won't ever be considered a team player again. Many employees will hold a grudge at the next review period, and you may be placed at the top of the next reduction-in-force "hit list."
* Apart from a short-term, Band-Aid treatment, nothing will change within the company. After the dust settles from this upheaval, you'll be in the same old rut. A rule of thumb among recruiters is that more than 80% of those accepting counteroffers leave, or are terminated, within six to 12 months anyway. Half of those who do succumb reinitiate their job searches within 90 days.

They butter you up, give you more money, but nothing really changes. Attempted buybacks can demonstrate disrespect for your well-thought-out decision and commitment to the new company. You've analyzed, accepted and committed to the new company, which has surely made plans and accommodations around you and is counting on you.

Finally, when making your decision, look at your current job and the new position as if you were unemployed. Which opportunity holds the most real potential? Probably the new one, or you wouldn't have accepted it in the first place.