I feel like I’m cheating on a company.

[JustAnotherMumHere]

I’m a student graduating next year. I’ve handed out two CVs. Company A hired me within 2 weeks of me giving them my cv. It’s a dream job and I signed the offer. I’ve just come back from a weekend trip with the team and they are amazing. I’ve signed to start next summer. Company B had a long hiring process, but they are one of the largest companies in the country with a very solid reputation and very respected (both are, but Company B is like getting into Oxford/Cambridge university). Company B just gave me an offer.

I really want to accept Company B but I feel so incredibly guilty after having met Company A and them spending money on including me in their social trips.

Here’s where it gets complicated. Company C is where I’m writing my thesis. I haven’t formally applied to work there after, it’s a good company but the culture isn’t as good as A or B but they have a better location. There is an unwritten rule they employ all their students afterwards, and the managers have verbally said they expect I’m working here after yet they haven’t provided any hint of job openings or who to talk to (huge company again).

So:

Company A: Lovely people, first to give offer.
Company B: The Oxbridge of companies to work for. I’d be set for life.
Company C: Good location (important when you have little kids) but no formal offer yet.

If I pick Company B, how can I not burn bridges at Company A? (Although after working at Company B I don’t think I’d work at Company A, so maybe it doesn’t matter?)

You pick the best job for you

You have to put yourself first. Just remember every single employer puts the needs of the company ahead of the individuals. They do what they do for employees because of the law and not out of the kindness of their heart.

Have you signed any contracts with any of these companies? Have a look and see what you are legally obliged to do, and then have a honest conversation with them.

I doubt any employer would want an employee whose thinking of jumping ship before they’ve started so may be grateful for honesty.

Just remember in the world of business it pays not to get too emotionally invested in your job. I’ve seen so many young women give there all to someone else’s business and basically get used because they feel obliged to do so. Men have no qualms in fighting for better pay or positions so don’t start feeling sorry for any of these businesses.

You want to accept Company B, then accept Company B. You don't owe a company anything and they don't owe you anything (noone is irreplaceable!).

You accept company B, and explain to company A that you have thought it over and will very regretfully have to decline but that you really enjoyed getting to know them, you hope that you can see them at conferences/keep professional connections up and maybe there will be an opportunity to collaborate in future (if that is a thing in your industry). Do what's best for you at the moment but don't burn your bridges!

You answered your own question with the “set for life” comment imho.

Surely if you have signed and accepted company A's offer you are legally obliged to take it up?
Well done whatever you decide.

Any company would make you redundant without a second thought if they had to. The only person you should consider is yourself.

Company B and get them to cover any expenses that you have to reimburse company A for (if you’ve signed something agreeing to do so). Company A will understand if the reputation of B is as you say it is. And you won’t be the first or last to do so. Being blunt, A will find it remarkably easy to replace you.

(Are these training contracts for solicitors forms and you’ve accepted eg Travers and now Herbert Smith have offered?)

Good point on looking into what I have signed at Company A, thanks everyone.

The thing is, I’m not going to be easily replaced. I have a set of skills that are in huge demand and very little people have these skills.

But yes, Company B is where I’m leaning to. It’s just this guilt is awful. Should I wait until after Christmas to break the news to Company A? It feels a bit too soon after meeting them to do it now. It’s not like they will start the hiring process for someone else before Christmas and start date is still 6 months away.

Your duty of care is to your future and that of your family. If company B safeguards your financial security and offers more opportunities then it would be silly to turn them down over some misplaced sense of loyalty. If any company you work for had to make redundancies or went under then you would lose your job, because it's business. You need to approach job related decisions with a business head on.

Congrats on your offer, it sounds like you've done fantastically well and should be really proud of yourself!

This is not a relationship, you don't need to wait to get the Christmas over with to dump them. It's business. You may feel guilty but truth to be told they will forget about it as soon as you have told them. If they don't they're dellusional. Things like that happen, they made an effort but you decided to choose something better for yourself. While it would be very nice if a company cared for its people; truth to be told, they don't. You'll get fired faster than you got hired if they need to make redundancies.
Go with the job that will be better for your future.

There's something about the way you describe Company B thats ringing alarm bells for me, as its exactly how people perceive the company i work for, its a legacy brand name with a 'job for life' reputation, but the reality is that it is rapidly crumbling internally and people are leaving/being fired in their droves but the change hasnt reached the public perception yet. As long as your field isnt telecomms its unlikely to be the same one though!

Personally I'd stick with Company A. They gave you an offer, it's your dream job and the people are lovely. That's worth masses.

B may not be all they are cracked up to be. The pressure might be huge. They might treat staff like shit. You might not want to stick it for life with them.