Going back on an accepted job offer - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Battlefield · 07-29-2005, 08:43 PM

Was hoping to get some advice on my fortunate (or unfortunate) situation.

I recently applied to a bunch of companies for jobs. I got a quick reply from one medium-sized company and they interviewed me. They then gave me an offer. After about 2 weeks , I hadn't gotten any other responses so I took the offer. I start the job in 1 month.

Today I get a phone call for an interview with my #1 choice company. Now, this is the wagon before the horse but is it unethical for me to go to this interview?

If by chance they make an offer, is it unethical to "quit" or renege on the original company's offer?

Basically, the second company is the company I've always dreamed of working for....

maleficent · 07-29-2005, 08:46 PM

Nope, not at all -it's pretty common actually. Just tell the company that you accepted a different offer, you appreciate the time that you spent with them and thank them for the experience.

If you got any hiring bonus, it's not ethical to keep it... but other than that-- more than likely you have an employment at will agreement- either side can end the employment at the end of any given day..

Dont sweat it -just be professional on your exit.

JumpinJesus · 07-29-2005, 09:29 PM

I agree with maleficent here. It's your job, your future. Go to the interview, see what happens, and if they make an offer, make your decision then. Good luck.

shesus · 07-30-2005, 08:30 AM

I agree with mal and JJ. However, if you do get the other job, politely pull away from your other offer. You don't want to burn any bridges. I learned that the hard way.

Good luck on you interview!!

hunnychile · 07-30-2005, 08:52 AM

Yes, I also agree with mal and jj....you didn't sign anything for the first company, did you? It's best that you follow your own true path & gut feeling and just keep it all professional. Do let that first company know right away that you have decided to accept another offer (no need to say which one) and that you were quite impressed with their company.

Congrats to you & your new job!!

Battlefield · 07-30-2005, 10:31 AM

Well I did sign an offer sheet from the first company. However I looked it over and it says there is a probationary 6 month period where either party can terminate the employment without notice. After 6 months, with notice.

maleficent · 07-30-2005, 11:47 AM

I'm not a lawyer, I just have a big mouth... Things like what you signed, kinda like non-compete agreements, rarely hold up in court, if it came down to it... Unless you signed a non-compete agreement, saying that you wouldn't work for a competitor for x number of months/years - -you are good to go... You are within your probationary period so you have nothing to worry about.

With notice, generally means you promise to give 2 weeks notice when you l eave the company.

spongy · 07-31-2005, 05:22 PM

I'm doing a kinda similar thing: I just tooka job that pays better than my old job, but still trying to get another job in a different state. The out of state job is a government job, so it will be atleast 2 months before I would get hired, but I have to pay the bills until I (hopefully) get the higherpaying, out of stae job.

Did that make any sense?

07-29-2005, 08:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
Battlefield Crazy	Going back on an accepted job offer Was hoping to get some advice on my fortunate (or unfortunate) situation. I recently applied to a bunch of companies for jobs. I got a quick reply from one medium-sized company and they interviewed me. They then gave me an offer. After about 2 weeks , I hadn't gotten any other responses so I took the offer. I start the job in 1 month. Today I get a phone call for an interview with my #1 choice company. Now, this is the wagon before the horse but is it unethical for me to go to this interview? If by chance they make an offer, is it unethical to "quit" or renege on the original company's offer? Basically, the second company is the company I've always dreamed of working for.... Last edited by Battlefield; 07-29-2005 at 08:59 PM..

07-29-2005, 08:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Nope, not at all -it's pretty common actually. Just tell the company that you accepted a different offer, you appreciate the time that you spent with them and thank them for the experience. If you got any hiring bonus, it's not ethical to keep it... but other than that-- more than likely you have an employment at will agreement- either side can end the employment at the end of any given day.. Dont sweat it -just be professional on your exit. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-29-2005, 09:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
JumpinJesus Junkie Location: Chicago	I agree with maleficent here. It's your job, your future. Go to the interview, see what happens, and if they make an offer, make your decision then. Good luck. __________________ "I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses

07-30-2005, 08:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
shesus Fancy Location: Chicago	I agree with mal and JJ. However, if you do get the other job, politely pull away from your other offer. You don't want to burn any bridges. I learned that the hard way. Good luck on you interview!! __________________ Whatever did happen to your soul? I heard you sold it Choose Heaven for the weather and Hell for the company

07-30-2005, 08:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
hunnychile Alien Anthropologist Location: Between Boredom and Nirvana	Yes, I also agree with mal and jj....you didn't sign anything for the first company, did you? It's best that you follow your own true path & gut feeling and just keep it all professional. Do let that first company know right away that you have decided to accept another offer (no need to say which one) and that you were quite impressed with their company. Congrats to you & your new job!! __________________ "I need compassion, understanding and chocolate." - NJB

07-30-2005, 10:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
Battlefield Crazy	Well I did sign an offer sheet from the first company. However I looked it over and it says there is a probationary 6 month period where either party can terminate the employment without notice. After 6 months, with notice.

07-30-2005, 11:47 AM	#7 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	I'm not a lawyer, I just have a big mouth... Things like what you signed, kinda like non-compete agreements, rarely hold up in court, if it came down to it... Unless you signed a non-compete agreement, saying that you wouldn't work for a competitor for x number of months/years - -you are good to go... You are within your probationary period so you have nothing to worry about. With notice, generally means you promise to give 2 weeks notice when you l eave the company. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-31-2005, 05:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
spongy Psycho	I'm doing a kinda similar thing: I just tooka job that pays better than my old job, but still trying to get another job in a different state. The out of state job is a government job, so it will be atleast 2 months before I would get hired, but I have to pay the bills until I (hopefully) get the higherpaying, out of stae job. Did that make any sense? __________________ The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed. Stephen King