To have accepted two jobs?

[tessnatoli]

In a major dilemma and hoping Mumsnet can help me! Have name changed for this in case it outs me. I have recently being offered a new job (Job A). This job is exactly the same role that I do in my current job at a different organisation. Place of work seems really lovely, they are very keen to have me and I have already been on an induction there so do kind of feel invested already.

However, just after been offered it I applied for another job (Job B), which I was offered today! This is the same sector I am in currently but is a different, probably more varied job.

I am so torn! In a lot of ways I am leaning to Job B for a change of direction, but I feel like if I pull out of Job A now I am letting them down massively and they won't have time to find anyone else for the date they need someone.

Do not yet have the salary for Job B (so that could actually make my mind up I suppose if it's not what I'm looking for!). Practically Job B is easier to get to, but not massively so and working hours are comparable.

Sorry it's so long! Basically, can anyone offer any advice, and would I be massively unreasonable to let Job A down if I decide on Job B?

I genuinely do feel really really bad PeppaPig sat here my stomach is rolling thinking about it and I feel sick. I actually wish now I hadn't put myself in this position at all. At the time I just really wanted to give myself the other opportunity.

That's interesting about asking about salary at interview, I always have had at least an idea of salary banding from job adverts but good to know it's not necessarily taboo to ask

As a member of a team that has been on the 'receiving end' of Job A, I can tell you that our reaction has been a bit of "Oh poo, need to recruit again, it'll take longer until we're back up to full head-count" etc, but mostly a sense of relief that we had escaped getting a potentially uncommitted or unenthusiastic colleague.

So being honest about turning down the offer does not necessarily reflect entirely badly on you.

How could you have accepted a job without clarifying what salary was on offer?

Thank you for that perspective lifeisgoodish. Floggingmolly I haven't accepted Job B as such, I've told them I'm still interested and asked them to send me the contractual information. Obviously I wouldn't make a firm acceptance without seeing all the details!

I think it is pretty low to have accepted Job A and then applied for Job B. Best to make a quick decision so Job A can move on quickly and find someone new.

I have been the person who hired someone in that situation. Spent massive amount of time over 3 days training new hire (8 hrs/day) only to do my own job at night (16 he says + 3 hr commute + take care of family). Only to be told on Day 4 that they decided to move on to this other opportunity. I was not happy with this situation or with the individual.

It happens.
Also, whilst you have verbally accepted job A & know more about the package (salary for example!) it sounds as though you haven't received the contract & other paperwork so any acceptance will be subject to the terms of those being agreeable so there is always a risk that you will pull out before signing the contract.

with only a couple of weeks in it I would say that the application was made prior to accepting Job A anyway. You have to do what is right for you - no good what iffing for the next 10 yrs. Objectively this happens and whilst not the best form be open and honest and apologise but stick to your guns. Don't expect to ever apply to that other co again though

That situation sounds really frustrating pennefabredux but it's a bit different as that person went through with starting the job and wasted time training. Surely it would have actually been better if they had pulled out prior to starting if they felt it wasn't for them.

Really appreciate everyone's comments, and I am glad that most people think it's not too utterly dreadful although also appreciate the views from the other side too. Its correct that no contracts are signed and as it's a financial job there are background checks to pass, I'm confident these are fine but the offers are subject to these as well so there is always the chance of a break down in the recruitment process! I'm still waiting for details on Job B anyway!

I think in your position I would let job A know I had headhunted for an alternative role. Then I would tell job B the same and say you need to know salary before you make a decision. Say you'll accept the amount of job A salary plus 10% or something.

Not ideal, you really need to speak to job a sooner rather than later.

But I understood that the verbal acceptance of a job was binding. After all, if you accepted a job and a couple of weeks later the company said they'd changed their minds, you'd be pretty fed up.

Certainly in teaching, if you accept a post, that is binding and going to interviews and accepting another one is very much a no no. After all, Heads can talk to one another, as I imagine any bosses can and you might just find yourself without any job at all.

But I understood that the verbal acceptance of a job was binding

Teaching has a fairly different process from other jobs for interviewing and accepting offers.

In other areas, it's typical for references etc. to be sought after the job has been offered and accepted so either side can retract at this point.