Two Job Offers - Accepted the wrong one. What should I do?

velli100

A couple of weeks back I had two job offers one paying 27k and was promising in terms of growth & development to my career (It seemed like they really cared) and then the other which I accepted paying 33k but could not seem more apathetic about the position, lied about the staff turnover to my face (5 in 24 months) and allowed the training to be headed by the employee in his notice period who they gave the boot to. Half of my first week last week was spent reversing the things this employee was showing me while the manager was apathetic and maybe gave me half an hour of her time all week max! To top it all off the work is in a complete mess due to years of predecessors making countless mistakes.

Thankfully when turning down the first position they said 'please do reach out if anything changes as 'hiring manager' really wanted you on board'. Sure enough by Friday morning I did and the HR person said the hiring manager would like to talk to you on the phone to know your reason for turning down the role and your view of the company.

Should I come clean that the other offer was too lucrative to turn down? Is this my best way out? Any advice will be greatly appreciated as I really want the other role which is more beneficial for my career.

Blatchford

It doesn't cover you in glory - but it is true and at least understandable. I'd tell the exact truth as you've said it here - you were blinded by the money and turned down what you knew in your head to be a better offer. They are being overly reasonable in actually considering you at all, so I wouldn't try to tell them anything other than the truth. Good luck. Hindsight is always good!

velli100

Blatchford wrote: »

It doesn't cover you in glory - but it is true and at least understandable. I'd tell the exact truth as you've said it here - you were blinded by the money and turned down what you knew in your head to be a better offer. They are being overly reasonable in actually considering you at all, so I wouldn't try to tell them anything other than the truth. Good luck. Hindsight is always good!

Thank you! It will be an uncomfortable call but I hope they can understand.

velli100

Blatchford wrote: »

It doesn't cover you in glory - but it is true and at least understandable. I'd tell the exact truth as you've said it here - you were blinded by the money and turned down what you knew in your head to be a better offer. They are being overly reasonable in actually considering you at all, so I wouldn't try to tell them anything other than the truth. Good luck. Hindsight is always good!

Just lastly what is your view on negotiating for a higher salary if that phone call goes well?

comedyseeker123

You got the job offer and started the week after?

velli100

comedyseeker123 wrote: »

You got the job offer and started the week after?

No apologies for not being clear.
I had the two offers on the 23rd of August. Turned one down accepted the other.
Worked my notice until 30th of August.
Started 2nd of September.

gettingtheresometime

So what happens if the promises of growth & development don't happen?

comedyseeker123

They may offer your more. You could also be going through a transitional period adjusting to your new job.

Marcon

I'd favour the 'tell the truth' approach - because it so obviously IS true and most people would understand it. Admitting you now think you made the wrong choice without being too critical of your current employer is the bigger challenge.

gettingready

velli100 wrote: »

No apologies for not being clear.
I had the two offers on the 23rd of August. Turned one down accepted the other.
Worked my notice until 30th of August.
Started 2nd of September.

Just one week notice? My notice is 3 months... Luckily I am happy where I am.

On topic though , best to come clean and frankly.. if they are willing to give you a second chance.... do not blow it asking for more money

Blatchford

velli100 wrote: »

Just lastly what is your view on negotiating for a higher salary if that phone call goes well?

I wouldn't push my luck!