I recently started a position with a wonderful organization.

32 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 17,2024 at 6:10AM UTC

   I faced this same situation a while back and I chose to go and I regretted in so many ways for so many reasons. Looking back, I feel like I went against honor by leaving the new job in the lurch. The employer who tendered the late offer threw me to the wolves with the primary engineer bailing and I felt little chance to succeed. My reputation at the employer I left was irreparably damaged. If I had it all to do over again I'd stick with the folks that tendered a quick and profitable offer even in the face of a better one after the first had been accepted.

2. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

   I am 100% pro making choices that are the best for yourself and family because a company is just an entity that doesn't have to be loyal to you. So you need to be the one to look out for you and don't have any concern for the company when making decisions like this.

   If this new position seems like it would be enjoyable, I say go for it. However, if you are on the fence because you don't know if this newly offered position is really something you want to do and the commute and pay are the only positives, your mental wellbeing is probably safer in the current position.
   I am not sure if you are in a position to be asking for a work accommodations at your current employer since you just started and knew the commute when you accepted the position.

3. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 12:32PM UTC

   Coming from someone who worked only 25 miles from home but it took 2 hours to get there and home because of traffic, that drive will get old really fast.

4. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 12:44PM UTC

   Negotiate the heck out of that offer bc you have nothing to lose. Accept it if you get it! Negotiate your start date and make sure you have all your paperwork in order before you quit/give notice. They may walk you out the door immediately so be prepared. Do you know anyone who would want your current job? Might soften the blow if you have someone to fill the gap.

5. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 1:11PM UTC

   Unless you know a co-worker extremely well, it is impossible to truly know a corporate culture until you work at a company and there are some awful cultures out there.

   If your current company has a great culture and you like your boss, I would consider it a diamond in the rough and stay. Use the time in the car to detox or maybe listen to some books on tape. If it is as great as you feel, you will flourish there and the money will come. Take this from someone who has been down the same path and has made the wrong decision to move. :)

6. Kim RaperSeptember 18,2024 at 1:17PM UTC

   Were you actually offered a job from the call ? I would not risk anything without an actual offer. Only you can then decide if closer with more pay and benefits is the best choice. Seems logical to me but only you know all the facets to the situation. What does your guy tell you ? Sounds like you like where you are a lot so .... might make it tough - but get all the facts up front first

7. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 1:45PM UTC

   You owe the company nothing so you are not required to stay out of obligation. Submit your notice per usual and move on IF an offer is received. Use the same logic others get for feedback and explain "it's not a good fit " if asked for a reason.

8. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 2:01PM UTC

   During the first 60-90 days, you are in a probationary period during which either you or the employer can terminate your employment for any reason or no reason. If the offer comes through and you want to take it, then take it and let the company you currently work for know that a better offer came in that is a better fit for you and your family. If they try to counter, make sure you figure in the time and gas/wear/tear for your car for 400 vs. 80 miles per week. You won't have to list your current job on any resume afterward.

9. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 4:20PM UTC

   Although practice can vary by employer, there is no federally mandated "probationary period" in the US (although the myth perpetuates, probably by employers who use it as a scare tactic). But even better for OP, employment at will is legal in all states except Montana. Employment at will means that an employer or employee can end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, as long as the reason is not illegal. This is true throughout the employment relationship - not just the "first 60-90 days."

10. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 8:19PM UTC

    You are correct that there is no federal mandate. However, labor laws are at the discretion of each state's Department of Labor (sometimes called the Labor Board), and some states make termination by the employer much more complex—and it's more than just Montana. California labor laws, for instance, are much more strict than "at-will" states. States where there is a predominance of labor unions are more likely to let collective bargaining agreements influence state labor policy. The 60-90 day probationary period is SOP and can be found in most employee handbooks; state (or federal) laws do not dictate it.

11. AnonymousDecember 17,2024 at 6:12PM UTC

    A couple of points to add to this probationary period subthread:

    Probationary periods may be customary in some industries, but they aren't legally required at either the federal or state level in the US. Your employer - via direct communication or the employee handbook - needs to make it clear that this is the case for their company. This may be thought of as standard in some industries but it's far from the case as standard across the board. If you have questions about your role or your company, seek clarification from your manager or HR.

    It's true that state labor laws like California’s can make terminating employees more complex because California law makes it easier for people to challenge their terminations. But again, none of this overrides at-will employment unless you are under a CBA or individual employment contract that says you can only be fired for specific reasons. Or, there's a law in place that protects you from being fired when certain situations are found to apply, like taking a protected leave or whistleblowing.

    Finally, union agreements do often play a role in an individual company's employment policies in the US but they don't directly dictate state labor laws.

12. Sandy PochapinSeptember 18,2024 at 2:45PM UTC

    Your current employer will have no loyalty to you if things were to go south for them -- you should not worry about being loyal to them either. If the pay and benefits are better, take it -- once you have an offer in hand. But don't give notice before that happens. I don't think they'll want to give you hybrid work since you've only been there a short time, but if you're tendering your resignation you have nothing to lose. Do NOT tell them where you're going.

13. AnonymousSeptember 18,2024 at 8:03PM UTC

    When you have a written job offer in hand, you give notice and leave-if it’s something better. Don’t feel bad about anything. They would cut you loose without thinking twice. We are numbers on a spreadsheet.

14. Celena BartonSeptember 19,2024 at 12:28PM UTC

    Do what is best for you. The employer will always do what is best for them. Respectfully say why you are leaving and leave it off your resume.

15. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 12:31PM UTC

    Don’t feel the need to be loyal to an employer. If you are offered the other job and want it, then take it. Make sure to give proper notice (although they probably will just have you leave since you’re so new). Just be gracious as you exit.

    Also, leave the current company off your resume since it’s only been a month.

16. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 1:12PM UTC

    If the possible employer is open to a virtual interview after your current work hours, I would suggest interviewing. After that interview you may get a feel for management, what their work environment may be like, and how much they would pay. It is nice to have something to compare to what you currently have and go from there. Best of luck on the interview!!

17. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 1:17PM UTC

    Virtual work would be perfect it doesn't hurt to ask then you will know before you make a change.

18. Feng ChenSeptember 19,2024 at 1:35PM UTC

    Well, I believe you do have a strong mind set how to build a good team. If I am you, I will join a company where close by home and having more pay and benefits. Don't think, just run to the good company where near by home.

19. Jessica FerlandSeptember 19,2024 at 1:55PM UTC

    Shorter commute = pay increase also, less time on the road, less wear and tear on your car. I need a good work environment also, but you've only been there a month. Probably still in the honeymoon phase. If things get real, you'll regret not pursuing the closer, higher paying job. Go for it!

20. Salama KasogaSeptember 19,2024 at 1:58PM UTC

    Consider the interview to explore the company culture and ask questions. It'll help you decide if it's a good fit. Your current employer is great, but the commute may eventually take its toll.

21. Milissa JacobsSeptember 19,2024 at 2:01PM UTC

    Be honest with the people you are working for now. Tell them the exact same thing that you just wrote, and try to give them 30 days notice.

22. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 4:10PM UTC

    OP didn't get the job yet.

23. WandaSeptember 19,2024 at 2:10PM UTC

    It's great that you like the company you're currently employed with. But if being closer and having benefits is important to you, by all means accept the new position if it's offered. But I'm wondering, however, have you discussed hybrid options with your current company? J

24. JenniferSeptember 19,2024 at 2:34PM UTC

    OMG, same situation I am experiencing! I don't know what to do...left a state position that lost the budget for my position and now in a private sector position, much better company, but commute is an hr and pay is only slightly higher. Wondering what to do...I don't want to look like a professional flake.

25. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 2:47PM UTC

    do not have loyalty to you employer. they are not loyal to you! Do what's best for you and your family. and don't look back.

26. Tami L CannizzaroSeptember 19,2024 at 3:02PM UTC

    Try to step back from this - if you can - and outline the pros and cons of each. Think long-term as well, knowing that neither job will be forever. Which of these jobs will give you the best experience to advance in your career? If equal, which will you enjoy, day-in and day-out, for the next however many years? Yes, a commute is an issue however a short commute cannot make up for being unhappy during an 8 (or more) hour work day. Neither can money, after a while - at least for some of us. It's the day -to-day that will make or break our feelings about work. And again, look at the kind of experience you are gaining because at some point you will be explaining one of these moves to the next hiring manager; why you made it, how the experience will add to your ability to help at her company in the role for which you are applying.

27. WandaSeptember 20,2024 at 3:58PM UTC

    EXCELENT ADVICE!!!!

28. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMESeptember 19,2024 at 5:29PM UTC

    There are some red flags for me. You interviewed with this company a couple of months ago and you are now just hearing from them? Did they hire another candidate and it didn't work out? Is it the same job but it has been re-titled?

    You say you enjoy your current position. However, before accepting the position, did you take into consideration the commute and pay?

29. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 7:11PM UTC

    Also take into consideration that it can look great when you start then it can change with hidden conflicts being more visible, new projects bringing new conflicts, unexpected co-workers personality switch, new hires who can lower the mood, etc. The comfort you are experiencing now might or might not last forever if you stay.

30. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 8:08PM UTC

    extremely good advice.

31. BobbieSeptember 20,2024 at 1:37PM UTC

    Truly, your current employer should have considered your location when hiring you and not hired you based on the probability that you would get sick of the commute.

    Take the other position.

32. Denene EaglinSeptember 23,2024 at 6:34PM UTC

    Congrats on The Move ?