Accepting a Job Offer, then Declining

[HelloHockeyFans]

I've never been in this situation before, so any advice would be appreciated. I've already signed and accepted a job offer from Company A. I just interviewed with Company B and they are interested in bringing me in for a 2nd interview. Salaries are equal. Commute is a BIG difference with Company B being much more convenient. Start date for Company A is two weeks.

Any advice or experience?

[ricosuave]

go to the interview with job b and then decide

[ben voyonsdonc]

I would say take the job that is more convenient. Unless you actually signed a specific contract, you are entitled to leave anytime without notice in the first three months of a job...just like the company is free to let you go without notice in the first three months of a job.

[Tyler]

My advice is:

Are you going to live forever?

If not, then do what makes your life more convenient while you're still here.

[Rerun]

You gotta look out for #1. No such thing as company loyalty these days... both ways.

Guaranteed, if its in the Companies best interest, they'll lay you off in a heartbeat. You won't get any thanks from them for being a loyal employee and turning down another job that is better for you.

[Sliver]

I'd go wherever the chicks have bigger guns.

[VladtheImpaler]

You signed a contract, and theoretically the employer is entitled to damages if you breach that contract (depending on what is actually in there, in terms of probationary periods, notice, etc). In reality, nobody would ever bother doing anything against you since you are too insignificant. The only thing you have to worry about is burning bridges. I would just be honest and tell them exactly what the situation is, and hope there are no hard feelings.

[Cowboy89]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

You signed a contract, and theoretically the employer is entitled to damages if you breach that contract (depending on what is actually in there, in terms of probationary periods, notice, etc). In reality, nobody would ever bother doing anything against you since you are too insignificant. The only thing you have to worry about is burning bridges. I would just be honest and tell them exactly what the situation is, and hope there are no hard feelings.

The size and the closeness of the industry you're looking to be employed in also factor into these types of things. For instance, there are plenty of jobs in Downtown Calgary where there are a lot of connections between people at different employers and word gets around about people who do these types of things. Depends entirely on your situation.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by Cowboy89

The size and the closeness of the industry you're looking to be employed in also factor into these types of things. For instance, there are plenty of jobs in Downtown Calgary where there are a lot of connections between people at different employers and word gets around about people who do these types of things. Depends entirely on your situation.

Exactly - the only real danger is to your reputation in the industry, and that depends on the industry...

[jammies]

I did it once and I have no regrets. As people have said, you owe them nothing unless your contract says otherwise, and very few contracts omit any kind of probationary period.

As far as word getting around goes, as long as you are upfront about it, I don't see what the company has to complain about. You are a free agent with no obligations to them until your probation is over, just like they have no obligations to you.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Thanks for the advice. I guess ill go ahead and sign and accept when I receive the first offer, and wait and see how the second interview goes.

[ken0042]

I have seen many times when they announce a new employee starting (meaning they signed the offer letter) and then we find out that guy won't be starting; usually because of a better offer.

Take the job that is better for you.