I accepted a job to start in May and a better job offer just came through-now what?

[Anonymous]

How do I handle? The job I want took forever to get an offer but just got it and yet here I accepted another offer 3 weeks ago since I frankly gave up on the other job due to their hr taking forever. The new job requires relocation for my family. How unprofessional would it be to bail on offer I accepted which starts May 15. I feel terrible and I am pretty senior so welcome any thoughts on how best to do it (or not do it). Thank you

[Anonymous]

You should do what is best for you and your family.

[Anonymous]

Which job requires relocation? 1st accepted job or dream job?

I would just call up the HR and say that you need to back out. It happens.

[Anonymous]

The accepted offer requires relocation or the new offer? If the former, are they paying relocation and have you started that process in any way that could be damaging to the company?

[Anonymous]

New job that I just got offer for today will require relocation.

[Anonymous]

Sign the new offer quickly and then inform job #1 right away. Better to do this now than wonder. This is not a new thing. Thank company #1 and try not to burn bridges.

[Anonymous]

I’ve backed out of several offers over my career. Business is business and everyone should do what’s best for them.

Zero repercussions for doing it either. People love to say ‘that bridge is burned’ but the only people mad at you for taking care of your family are people you should be okay with being mad at you.

[Anonymous]

Depends how small/insular your field is.

[Anonymous]

I would do it but don’t expect to leave any time soon! And your new employer may find out? Not sure. Never done it but at end of day, take care of you. I think you can call current place and say family is relocating unexpectedly and you are sincerely sorry

[Anonymous]

I think it's okay to back out, especially since your start date is still a month away.

[Anonymous]

Yes back out asap but you will burn a bridge, no way around it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do it but don’t expect to leave any time soon! And your new employer may find out? Not sure. Never done it but at end of day, take care of you. I think you can call current place and say family is relocating unexpectedly and you are sincerely sorry

No don't lie

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes back out asap but you will burn a bridge, no way around it.

Sure Grandpa.

I backed out of a job on Friday before orientation. Took other job which turned out to be bad move then turned around and re-accepted offer firm I backed out of.

Nearly every-time I do a job hunt this stuff happens. I mean maybe in 1950s that was a thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes back out asap but you will burn a bridge, no way around it.

Sure Grandpa.

I backed out of a job on Friday before orientation. Took other job which turned out to be bad move then turned around and re-accepted offer firm I backed out of.

Nearly every-time I do a job hunt this stuff happens. I mean maybe in 1950s that was a thing.

How senior are you? Did they announce you internally? That always somewhat complicates this situation too.

[Anonymous]

I found out I was pregnant between the time I interviewed and was offered a significant internal promotion and role change. They took 6 months to decide and in the interim I knew if it didn’t happen, I needed to leave and so I needed to hurry up and have a baby while I had FMLA and generous benefits. They probably would have not given me the role if they knew I would be on leave 5 months of the 1st year, but I looked at it as their fault for taking so long.

The new offer took way too long to get back to you. You couldn’t wait forever. They made you wait, so it’s reasonable to ask them to wait for you to start. Negotiate to let your kids finish the school year. Don’t quit your current job if you have not. Make sure all the paperwork clears.