2 weeks ago I accepted a job offer and handed in my notice, today I received another offer that sounds more exciting!

39 Comments

1. DebbieApril 4,2023 at 7:21PM UTC

   To add: I am due to be starting with the 1st offer on the 17th

2. AmyApril 5,2023 at 12:06PM UTC

   Don’t worry about declining the offer you already accepted. You have to look out for your future and growth opportunities. I would say make a pros and con list, talk to friends or mentor who can also ask the hard questions about the two companies. It is not uncommon for someone to accept then decline due to a more fitting offer. It happens more now a days then it used to!

3. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 12:33PM UTC

   You are well within your right to take up the newer offer.

   For the job you've already accepted and are starting on the 17th, just let them know, as soon as possible, that something has come up, and that you appreciate their offer, but you regret that unfortunately you are no longer able to accept their offer at this time.

   Leave the newest job offer or any other details out of it - it's best this way so that "a door" to this company remains open just in case

4. AnonymousApril 4,2023 at 8:50PM UTC

   Just be very quick and very honest. You need to let them know asap so they can reach out to their pool of candidates.

5. AnonymousApril 4,2023 at 9:26PM UTC

   Five years ago, I’d have told you to stick with the offer you’ve already accepted, but things have changed. Capture the pros and cons of both and make your decision quickly. Good luck - you’re in a good place!

6. Barb HansenApril 4,2023 at 11:32PM UTC

   If the new job is a better fit for you then take the new job.

   You don't need to soften the blow to your existing company, just tell your manager that you're last day is on X date. Your current employer wouldn't worry about softening the blow if they had to let you go, they would just let you go. Companies don't have emotions. Companies are always going to do what's best for the company and you should always do what's best for you.

   Is it annoying to your existing co-workers and manager that you'll be leaving? Sure, but they'll survive without you :)

   Congrats on the new opportunity!

7. AnonymousApril 5,2023 at 1:20PM UTC

   Very well said

8. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 12:28PM UTC

   Did I misunderstand the post? I thought OP had already handed in her two weeks to her existing job because she was taking a new job. So that the real question is how she should address the new (upcoming) workplace if she has been offered yet another (newer) job that she ultimately wants to take?

9. AnonymousApril 5,2023 at 12:41PM UTC

   Had this happen last year, accepted an offer, then got two offers the last business day before I was to start. Even verbally accepted the second before the third came in.

   I weighed all of the pros and cons, including the impact on my mental health, spoke with several family members, and ultimately decided to take the third offer - which was a completely different industry and the biggest risk. I contacted the first two and let them know I appreciated the offer but had decided to go with the position that best aligned with my long-term goals. They both accepted that and wished me well.

10. Laura MamaevApril 6,2023 at 12:20PM UTC

    Definitely write out the pros and cons of each position. Consider any flexibility you may need/get, benefits, future growth opportunities, etc. As for softening the blow, I second Anonymous with just stating you decided to go with something that better aligns with your needs and future goals. Good luck! It's awesome you're in a position where you have multiple offers!

11. Rebecca Gale-GonzalezApril 6,2023 at 12:22PM UTC

    All's Faire in Love and war, the battle for the job you desire that is. Give it thorough thought, what opportunities are there for advancement...is it your dream job. Give your regrets, let them know why you choose one offer over the other (more money, more responsibility, opportunity to advance, work from home...) They likely will have a second candidate to offer the position to. Best wishes and all that soft, touchy-feely stuff....but aurevoire, let's keep in touch.

12. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 12:25PM UTC

    As a hiring manager I would much prefer a new hire to "back out" before they started than shortly after. The new company should be in a good position to offer someone else the position you accepted as they have likely been interviewing many good candidates for awhile. Taking the second offer now sounds like it would be doing what's right for you as well as giving the new company a change to hire someone else immediately without much lost time from when you were supposed to start. It really could be a win-win for everyone at this point!

13. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 12:28PM UTC

    Just playing devils advocate here- more exciting doesn’t always mean the grass is greener- be careful not to make decisions based on emotion. I’d follow the advice of pros and cons list, but also, really research the companies and see who has longevity, real growth opportunities, and check Glassdoor and indeed for reviews from current and previous employees. Companies have to “sell” themselves when hiring and what may seem like the perfect opportunity, might not be once you get there so just be cautious and do your due diligence before making your decision.

14. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 12:46PM UTC

    I totally agree with this comment. I had just accepted a job offer and an exciting opportunity came from a different company. I had already put in my 2 weeks notice at my current job. I went with the exciting opportunity and was laid off 3 months later. I had researched both companies but there were warning signs at the company with the exciting opportunity that I ignored.

15. Kimberly McKenzie-KlemmApril 6,2023 at 12:50PM UTC

    I would not take the second offer.

16. MattApril 6,2023 at 2:25PM UTC

    Why? You should not say anything without giving it substance or context. Why wouldn’t you take the second offer? Equally important why would you take the first?

17. Alexie ShawApril 6,2023 at 12:56PM UTC

    I would look at the executive team on both, is one more visible over the other? Are they more inspirational? What is the future looking like in the market for each company. You probably want to grow, so which one is offering more movement laterally and upward? You cant really soften the blow as such, but remember its not your family its only a workplace, they will be fine!

18. CYNDI ALLENApril 6,2023 at 1:13PM UTC

    I took a job that was 2x the salary, a promotion from manager to director in a top floor office. What did I find out after a month? They don't pay their employees or their bills! Go to Glassdoor.com, Google and Indeed and read reviews. That would have tipped me off. The stress of being in HR and employees not getting paid and always recruiting sent my BP to 204/93. I had to quit.

19. Jenna VillaflorApril 6,2023 at 1:33PM UTC

    A couple years ago, I started a new job at a big tech company, then 3 months into that new job, I got another offer from a startup that paid more, and ultimately became the best job I ever had. Regardless of the path you take, the company you either leave or say "no" to will be just fine. You take care of YOU first. Listen to your gut, you probably already know your answer :) I also agree with the comments before me -- go to Glassdoor, Fishbowl, Indeed and look at the reviews there to get insight on the company.

20. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 1:44PM UTC

    You take care of YOU first.<<< LOVE this. Listen we just hired someone in our org, who had started in Section 1 but was clearly better suited for Section 2. This person was in Section 1 for three days before accepting the offer in Section 2. Go where you will be happiest and they will understand. Just be honest with them because you never know where/who/what will be following you in the future!

21. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 1:45PM UTC

    At no point have you mentioned the fact that you made a commitment. I find that sad.

22. Vanda LeeApril 6,2023 at 2:05PM UTC

    Employers make a commitment to you when they hire you but when re-org or lay-offs happen, they take care of the company...taking care of ourselves in our work environment is no different.

23. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 3:52PM UTC

    It’s a job. Not a marriage…

24. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 1:49PM UTC

    It depends on you and your tolerance for risk. Either course of action has its own apparent risk, but if you have not done the due diligence to weigh your options truly, you'll only shoot yourself in the foot. Don't just weigh in the feeling, it's essential, but it can be a distraction too. Figure out what you want from your options and choose according to that.

25. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 1:52PM UTC

    Do what is right for you. The companies will do what is right for them. You’re not burning bridges by making a decision that fits your wishes and long term goals. The folks saying not to take it are stuck in the past.

26. SarahApril 6,2023 at 3:00PM UTC

    I agree, put your best interests first, just as the companies will do. Listen to your gut and if the second offer feels right, just inform the 1st company directly and kindly as soon as possible- I’d apologize for the inconvenience and thank them for their consideration and the opportunity. Good luck!

27. Victoria AbramsApril 6,2023 at 2:46PM UTC

    I am a firm believer that standing by your words is the best characteristic you can have. I would not go for the other job when the other company has waited for you to start unless the other position is something that is life-changing and/or it is a few days after accepting the offer. That being said be totally honest and voice the concerns that lead you to the decision to change your mind and not join.

28. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 2:57PM UTC

    Thank you OP for posting this as this is great info as I am in rounds 2 and 3 for 4 different jobs, so all the comments really help give me some perspective should I get a few offers and how to address if I accept one but then a better one comes along. I do agree that companies do what's right for them ( I was laid off after 26 years at the same company) so we need to do what's right for us. Good Luck

29. Cheryl WilburgApril 6,2023 at 4:33PM UTC

    Just my perspective... I agree with the comment about standing by your word, but let me also offer this. You state "I know I could be happy at the first, but don't know if I would be bored down the line." I'm of the opinion that it is MY responsibility to keep from being bored at work, not the job's responsibility. If it's a good job that I enjoy, but I find myself bored sometime down the line, I find other things to add to my routine to avoid the boredom. Taking on additional responsibilities makes you more indispensible, and I believe in the addage that if you only do what you're paid for, then you will never get paid for more than you do.

30. AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 5:23PM UTC

    This is surely a champagne problem. If you are career driven perhaps talk to the manager of the first company let them know you have a second offer and are dealing with the conflict. Ask the tough questions that concern you about boredom- ie: if I run out of XYZ are there other things I can take on? Right now the market is super volatile so as long as you are not risk averse perhaps the second option is better because you leap to risk. You will likely burn the bridge on such short notice with the first company as well so definitely think about how that could affect you in the long term. Those folks who vetted you will move to other places and would remember you turning them down after accepting. If you do decide to do that I would make a direct phone call to the person whom you would have reported to there. Let them know how hard a choice it was for you and that it was about the job content and not a money situation (even if it was) let them know that your decision did not come lightly and that you are thinking long term about your career and that other company offered more opportunity now. If you know others that could backfill your seat that you would be giving up you could refer others in who might be qualified. Good luck in your decision.

31. IntentionGirl299847April 6,2023 at 6:03PM UTC

    Adrenaline junkie much? Bored down the line? More exciting? So what happens when, and it will, the exciting job becomes the same every day? Unless you are planning on being a jump from planes instructor, all jobs have moments of woo hoo and calm times. Choose wisely as this is your future. If you need woo hoo to be happy then go for it.

32. Ida McCartyApril 7,2023 at 2:41AM UTC

    I had this same situation happen last October. I went with the second and most recent offer. Remember first and foremost, that you have to be your own advocate when it comes to employment. If the second job appeals to you more, then you have your answer. Good luck!

33. AnonymousApril 7,2023 at 10:51AM UTC

    Live without regrets as much as possible.

34. AnonymousApril 7,2023 at 12:42PM UTC

    Be transparent and let both know about the other offer and see who counters best.

35. AnonymousApril 7,2023 at 4:17PM UTC

    Employer one - has not invested a lot of training and resources in your position. Graciously, thank them for the opportunity and submit your resignation letter. Life is short, take the second offer. I’ve seen this happen in the past and they will either offer the position to the next qualified person or repost the position.

36. Rose Perez-RuizApril 8,2023 at 3:15AM UTC

    Follow your bliss!

37. AnonymousApril 8,2023 at 9:30PM UTC

    I believe once you accept an offer you should stay at the job. Unless, of course, it is not what you thought it to be and they have been dishonest or something. You must have wanted the position at one point, because you would not have accepted it. There is always something else out there to distract or tempt you, but if you are doing okay in that post you should stay, because you don't know if the other offer would work out.

38. AnonymousApril 10,2023 at 3:20AM UTC

    Take a day or two to think about it and then go with your gut decision. it’s about you, you don’t and aren’t required to have loyalty anywhere. If you take the second offer. Just be honest with the current one that you feel this isn’t the best fit for you. Better yet if you can offer them up a referral too as to who would be a better fit.

39. Nuno AnjosApril 14,2023 at 4:31PM UTC

    I have a Rule to help me settle this scenario, in my country we have to sign a Work Contract before starting the job, so legaly i can not take the second offer, but just to to settle my mind my rule just says "i'm a Man of my Word and i will not leave any job for the first 6 months", the only time i did that it was because, from day one, the work environemt was hipertoxic !