Accepted job - but better offer has come along

Jmoo

A few months ago I accepted a job with a long notice period, and I've been a bit unsure about whether it was a rushed decision.

I've since been offered one with a £10k more salary and believe I'd be happier there.

I haven't signed any contracts with the original job offered, but I obviously had said I'd join them.

I feel guilty about it - but are there any pitfalls in telling them I have had a better offer elsewhere and accepting the second job?

pjcox2005

Only pitfall is that you may not be able to get a job at the company you agreed verbally with and then rescinded in the near future.

But if the other job is better including higher salary then sometimes you just have to go with gut and do it even if that creates an issue. One thing i would say is do it quick rather than putting off telling the company.

Or if unsure be upfront and they may counter offer. Some managers won't care, others may be upset the deal is changing but if you're good at your job you should turn it round.

Own_Worst_Enermy

but are there any pitfalls in telling them I have had a better offer elsewhere and accepting the second job?

If it's a small world, but I imagine only you would know that.  Past people turn up where you least expect them.

I turned down a job interview recently when it became apparent they would want references all over again. so soon.... it really made me think with it being so to fresh.

After asking all my references to pull out all the stops first time around, I wasn't sure it was a happening 2nd time around.

I've also sat in a room again very recently absolutely explaining honestly to an Employer why I was truly not in work and a return to the former Employer wasn't up for considering it could have been great for a genuine withdrawn offer on the side of the employer; if it was not for a town far further than current offer of £18,500 - they shortlisted me but I imagine they were also glad to know to get an alternative ready in mind. Least you prepped them where the words out of the supportive job centre. (the original first conditional offer was made part of my claimant commitments) 

How good at a job you are doesn't come into this.  No one made you accept the original offer and in my experience, you rarely get a 2nd chance unless both management/HR/recruitment change.

TELLIT01

Just contact the original company and apologise by saying there has been a change in your personal circumstances and you will not longer be able to accept their job offer.

Sandtree

Jmoo said:

A few months ago I accepted a job with a long notice period, and I've been a bit unsure about whether it was a rushed decision.

I've since been offered one with a £10k more salary and believe I'd be happier there.

I haven't signed any contracts with the original job offered, but I obviously had said I'd join them.

I feel guilty about it - but are there any pitfalls in telling them I have had a better offer elsewhere and accepting the second job?

Contracts dont need to be signed to be enforceable but most companies are also realistic.

Its better to have a frank conversation with them and assuming your start date isnt in a few days etc then the chances are they will be annoyed, they may counter offer (and you should think in advance what you'll say if they did) and if you arent interested or they dont/cant then thats the end of it. Do expect yourself to be filed with a big warning sticker should you ever apply again to that company though, or potentially the manager when they move on (though personally that feels more an outside chance in most cases)

AskAsk

most companies will understand if you find a better offer elsewhere.  the only downside is that you may not be able to get a job there again in future as people don't like rejections.  just make sure you have the new job contract before you refuse the previous one.