New job - accepted one, been offered another

[Libre2]

I am feeling conflicted. I was approached through LinkedIn by a company (wasn't actually looking for a job at the time) and subsequently interviewed and was offered and accepted a job - not in the industry that I know and am known in, but I was at the time quite keen for a change. I am on a three-month notice period. I subsequently told one of the companies that I currently work alongside that I would be leaving in three months. I was offered a job on the spot for significantly more money (15k more in real terms) and in an industry I know, and am relatively well known in. I am therefore very tempted to take it.

I have already signed a contract with the first company and they want to have a handover call next week, despite still having two months of my notice period to run in my current company. I am still waiting for final offer and sign-off for the other job.

Is this a normal situation? I feel very bad for the first company and really don't want to waste their time. How do you handle this? Am I contractually or ethically obligated to them?

No. You can pull out any time. I recruit a lot and people pull out at various stages all the time.
Wait until the second offer is in writing and then bin off the first. As long as you are polite and professional it’s ok. Never feel obligated.

Thanks @AlltheFs - that makes me feel marginally better. I just hate messing people around but do feel, if it materialises, the second job will suit me better.

It’s obviously not ideal and it is a bit awkward sometimes but people do it all the time. You have to put yourself first ultimately. It’s too important to pass up the right move.

Anecdotally, I work in quite a male dominated area and men, especially non Brits (we do a lot of international recruitment) don’t think twice about it. Women always feel guilty! There’s a lesson there.

But as soon as you know for sure just get it over with.

"Anecdotally, I work in quite a male dominated area and men, especially non Brits (we do a lot of international recruitment) don’t think twice about it. Women always feel guilty! There’s a lesson there."

That is a very interesting point, and one I will remember - thank you!

Do what is right for you. You absolutely shouldn't take a job because you feel bad.

I get it though.