Ethics of verbally accepting offer then declining when something better comes along

[milliemanzi]

So I accepted a job offer (verbally, I never signed anything) and am in the process of having employment checks done, however I have now been offered a better role where I currently am.
Am I unethical to now decline the other job offer? I feel bad as I should technically start in a few weeks but I'd really prefer to stay where I am, it's a better commute, more interesting role and I know the hospital etc.
Help me with my guilt! I just keep thinking "hey they'll get over it"...

Companies always, always, always put the best interests of the business first so feel free to do the same now!

It isn't ideal but you have to put yourself first - no-one else is going to!

Congratulations by the way!

They may not be thrilled but is your decision. Go for it.

they'll be absolutely used to it, and it's something you can do nicely without falling out. Do it. They'll have just gone through the process of recruitment and the faster you move (once you've signed on the line where you are of course!), the easier it will be for them to go to the next in line, who they may not have rejected yet, pending outcome of your employment checks.

Ah thanks everyone! I feel less guilty now!

It's a pain but it happens. Don't feel bad about it. You have to do what is right for you.

They'll have other candidates they can go back to instead.

I have done this. I felt bad for about 5 minutes. The recruitment agency blacklisted me but hey there were about 20 other agencies in the area to represent me next time.

Do what is right for you otherwise you will regret it.

The number of times I see people put their employer first, but the employer never does the same when it wants to make any changes.