Advice needed-withdrawing job interest

oxygeneevo

Morning all

I'm pretty sure this topic with be quite controversial, but I need some advice.
I work in a specialised area, and I stared looking to change employer 3 weeks ago. On day two of my job hunt I got a call about two different jobs. Both fell within my area of expertise, but were concentrating on different skills I have. Job A moved very quickly, it was a two stage interview + project and I had an offer within a week of the initial phone call. The job is based a number of miles away and as such I negotiated a significant uplift on the package first offered to me. I accepted.
Due to the nature of my work I agreed with my current employer that my notice period would be cut from 3 months to 3 weeks, this suited all involved (myself, current employer, and new employer) and as such I signed a contract with my new employer confirming my start date of X, I also informed the other job I had a call about (job that I found alternative employment and that I was withdrawing my application, and thanked them for their consideration (it is also important to note that as this point I had not attended any interviews at job B, and had no contact other that the initial call).
Last Thursday I had a call from job B, they confirmed that they knew my new start date for Job A was very close, and invited me in for a mammoth interview session the following day (condensing a usual 3 stage interview into a full days interview and assessment). I attended because I figured I didn't have anything to lose, and as such they have formally offered me a job too, with a significant uplift in pay, benefits, share options and progression opportunities, with an immediate start date (it is also based much closer to home).

Both companies are large multinationals, and are in different sectors so do not compete. Although money clearly plays a part in all of our lives, I am judging the jobs on opportunity and progression potential alone, and job B is the better choice, the enhanced renumeration is just the icing on the cake.

Apart from the moral implications, and the burning of bridges, what are the implications (if any) of withdrawing my interest in Job A (after signing a contract confirming start dates) and moving to job B instead? It feels very immoral, but I honestly beleive Job B offers greatly enhanced future potential, both in terms of career direction and job satisfaction.

Apologies for the long post, but I thought its best to offer the complete picture.

Any feedback greatly appreciated.
Oxy

bevanuk

I don't think there are any implications, it's a pain and that's about it. I've had people drop out on start date and it's just something we have to get on with and replace.
Your contract doesn't start until your start date. I would contact them as soon as possible (via phone) and explain your reasons.

One thing I would make sure of though is that you have a written contract from place B for security. Apologise to place A and take the second job if it it the right decision for you.

Don't change your mind

InsideInsurance

Legally you are under contract with them and therefore if you do not fulfil your contractual obligations you can be sued for breach of contract and the damages reflecting the costs they incur as a result of your breach.

The reality is that this rarely happens as generally it isnt worth big companies going after individuals like that.

You would normally have a shorter notice period during your probationary period. In theory you could service your notice immediately and still work the 2 or 3 weeks or whatever it is and then end and go to the other company but the reality is with the effort required to do induction and the learning curve etc they are more likely to let you off and never start than insist that you start and only work such a short period.

You are going to burn bridges and remember that people do move companies. Think carefully before doing it

bevanuk

True, I stress how unlikley it is though. I have never heard of anyone following through a claim. It's 10x easier just to recruit someone else.

gibson123

it is very clear to me that you should go for Job B. I think people tend to over-think these situations, before long company A will have forgotten you applied in the first place. Just make sure you do it graciously and apologetically, you will only be remembered if you are rude and cause great inconvenience or loss.

KiKi

OP, just contact Job A and tell them you apologise, but you are accepting another offer. You are, legally, required to give notice on your contract. Statutory notice period is 0 days, but as you're a specialist it seems likely you'll have a contractual notice period which may be longer.

In reality, there's no point you starting. But you do have to formally give notice.

KiKi