New Job - Contract

[SolemnlySwear2010]

Hi, I need some advice if possible. I have been applying for new jobs and last week I got a phone call offering me a new role, the contract arrived and I signed it and sent it off on Thursday.

However, today I have received a call from another job that I interviewed at a few months ago but I was the second choice candidate and the first choice accepted the role. The first choice has now given up the role and it has been offered to me!

Where do I stand now with the other job that I have signed the contract for? The second job is a much better fit both professionally and personally but can I take back my acceptance for the first job?

Both job offers are conditional if that makes a difference.

Thanks

What are they conditional on?

Both are conditional on my references and my right to work in the UK - I know I will get good references and I was born in the UK so not worried about either of those.

I'd want to know why the original one from months ago has given up the role. Had they started then quit because it was awful? Or had they too got a better offer?

But anyway, you would not be the first to pull out of a role having accepted it and signed the contract. It's not a great thing to do, but it happens a fair bit, and if the later offer is really better, in the end you have to go with what's best for you - and that would be better than starting a job you feel honour-bound to do because you signed the contract, and end up quickly resenting because you really wanted the other one more.

The original person has moved back home (not from my city) so she hadn't even started the job yet.

I think that is it exactly - this newer one is a much better fit long term as well and gives me the flexibility that I am not getting in my current role.

I hate letting people down though!

It's a business transaction, you are not letting anyone down.

They wouldn't feel guilty about withdrawing the offer if they didn't like your references.

You are all completely correct and I have emailed them over this morning.

I am positive that I will receive an email back that my not be so nice but I have made the correct decision for my family.