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Original poster

New job predicament

21 replies

Harveybelle · 03/04/2023 07:32

Hey.. so I've accepted a new job which I'm super excited about. However I now have the opportunity to potentially be offered another which is double the salary.

Morally I'd feel awful going back on my current acceptance (I'm not starting until May) as still working my notice at my current job.

But that money would change our lives.

I'm just asking I guess what would you all do??

OP posts:

EVHead · 03/04/2023 07:33

Accept the better paid one. The other company will find someone else. You’re dispensable. Do what’s best for you.

palsprosecco · 03/04/2023 07:34

Follow the money. Life's expensive. You and your family come first.

RichPetunia · 03/04/2023 07:35

No contest. Double the money, and congratulations!

Original poster

Harveybelle · 03/04/2023 07:36

This is my feeling. However as I e accepted already I just feel awful going back on it. Contract states a weeks notice in the 3 month probation and I haven’t started yet. So I’m guessing I can back out. Just feel awful!!

OP posts:

Catspyjamas17 · 03/04/2023 07:37

Ah go for it. They have a few weeks' notice at least, some people accept a job then just don't turn up on the first day.

WoeBeCome · 03/04/2023 07:37

Is the other job for definite?

Catspyjamas17 · 03/04/2023 07:39

So I’m guessing I can back out. Just feel awful!!

You can always back out before you start a job. No-one can force you to work.

Original poster

Harveybelle · 03/04/2023 07:40

Not as yet I’m just forward thinking. Overthinking!! I’d obviously wait for it to be set in stone ☺️

OP posts:

hay5689 · 03/04/2023 07:44

You'll always be a number on the payroll to any company so you have to do what's best for you. Good luck in whatever you decide!

PussBilledDuckyPlait · 03/04/2023 07:49

They may still be able to recruit the next best candidate from the application process, in which case you might make someone very happy!

NemoandDoris · 03/04/2023 07:51

You are just a cog in a wheel at the end of the day. Trick is to pick the right wheel.

I have seen people pull out of a job offer days before they are due to start.

Greenfairydust · 03/04/2023 07:57

I would go for the job you like best overall.

Money is an important factor but also think about commute/flexible working/opportunities for promotion and work environment.

You really don't need to feel guilty about taking another role if that is the best option for you.

Toomuch2019 · 03/04/2023 08:01

I've been in this situation and it feels awful but you have to do what's best for you. The organisation would....

I would phone and explain though rather than just sending an email

ButteryBread · 03/04/2023 08:02

Wow what job is it that you've doubled your salary!

I think you should go with the double money!

Number24Bus · 03/04/2023 08:04

Definitely go with the higher paid job. Well done OP!

MajorCarolDanvers · 03/04/2023 08:06

It happens all the time.

Don't worry about it and take the better job.

I'm an employer.

ParkrunPlodder · 03/04/2023 08:22

They will be disappointed but it will actually be easier to for them if you pull out before you start rather than a month in. They can go to the next candidate on their list.
Try and enjoy this moment! What a lovely way to be told you’re super amazing that they both want you. Wait for the next job offer to be firmly in. Be very clear what the trade off will be for the extra money (will you enjoy the job as much? Will they be realistic about what they want from you? Will they want a “pound of flesh” for the extra money?) You will already know which job you want. Go for it and all the best in your new job!

Perosnally I would email to let them know first - presuming in the email that you’ll follow up with a chat on the phone when they can. This gives them the opportunity to feel their disappoint before you do speak and allow them to sulkily avoid speaking if that’s what they want to do. Keep it brief :
I’m sorry, unfortunately, I am no longer in a position to take up the fantastic opportunity you offered me and can no longer start with you as xxx on xxx. I wish you and <<company name >> all the best for the future. I can’t speak till after 1pm today (when you can get me on xxxxxxxxxx if you are free to speak this afternoon) and, as I wanted to let you know as soon as possible, have emailed to let you know immediately.

Have a short verbal explanation ready in case they do call. Just say that an opportunity that you were interested in before you saw their job opportunity has resurfaced and you need to take the opportunity that works best you.

gillefc82 · 03/04/2023 08:30

Would it be worth when you let the first company know, mentioning you have received a much improved pay offer from another company and giving them the opportunity to match it/ make you another offer? If you think the first company may be a better cultural fit and there is a chance they can do more in salary or other package benefits, there is nothing to lose is asking the question.

raabbgghhrbb123 · 03/04/2023 10:49

I would inform the job you want to decline soon as they may have a reserve candidate.

Biscuitlover456 · 03/04/2023 11:59

Congrats! Have you actually been offered the other job? I would wait until a formal offer is presented before doing anything.

It would depend more on the opportunity than the money for me personally but understand that double the salary is an incredible opportunity.

I would recommend telling new employer as soon as you have the formal offer and be up front if it is about money. It’s not an uncommon thing to happen but make sure you handle it as well as you can so as not to burn any bridges - be honest and open with them and acknowledge that it’s not an ideal situation but explain your reasons.

confusedlots · 03/04/2023 12:04

Go for it if you get offered the other one. I once handed in my notice week after starting a new job. It wasn't right for me and something else came up that I was really interested in. I felt pretty bad about it, but I had to do what was right for me.

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