Dilemma

Dilemma

I got a job a month ago after being unemployed for about 1 year. I only took the job because it was the only job opportunity that I got. However, a company that I really wanted to work for, called me recently, two months after doing an interview with them, and informed me that I was successful in their interview and would like to make an offer. I'm a little confused about what to do in this situation. Any advice?

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60 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Do what's best for you. Make sure this is an opportunity that's worth leaving for. Other than taking two months to get back to you, are there any red flags?

  2. Anonymous

    Yes. It has to do with them visiting my address (without verbally letting me know) to verify that I live there. Apparently that's what the company usually does because I got confirmation from a current employee there. Also, a few not so good reviews online

  3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Is the company that sent the person to your house the company that you're already working for or the one who came back after two months and said they wanted to make you an offer?

  4. Anonymous

    If the reviews are bad, I would rethink my decision and see what your current employment offers.

  5. Anonymous

    That’s a pretty big red flag. Although the company likely outsourced the background investigation, they still must believe in the process because that sort of legwork is expensive. Can you think of some other questions, ask for a meeting, and then ask how unannounced home visits for verification supports the mission of the organization? I can think of reasons but none of them are good reasons. I will say when our son got Top Secret clearance someone did come and talk to a neighbor, but never talked to us.

  6. Anonymous

    oh i remember you posted about the house visit here :

    i agree that it would give me pause as well to weigh my decision :

    https://fairygodboss.com/community-discussion/iyj5oS6sG/red-flag-%0A?utm_source=email-transactions&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=community-missed-notification

  7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Someone asks this same question on here at least once a week, if not more. Congratulations! You have options.

    So have Company 2 present you with their offer. Then compare the new offer with your current situation and decide which is the best opportunity for you.

    What, specifically, are you confused about?

  8. Anonymous

    Thank you so much for the advice. I indicated that I was confused because I was not sure if it's a good idea to leave a job so soon.

  9. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    See what the offer is. Then decide what you need/want in your next/current position. Where are you going to learn the most? Where will you have the most opportunity? What is the culture like? What's the work/life balance like? Whatever you decide is most important, which position fills that need?

    If the new opportunity is the best one - you have to do what's best for you.

    GOOD LUCK!

  10. Sridhar Jayaraman

    Firstly, do not be embarrassed to leave just because you joined the present company recently. They will have no embarrassment if they wish to show you the door. hence, keep emotions aside.

    Importantly, you must evaluate why do prefer the other company. You need to assess the work culture, gender bias, if any, role offered, growth trajectory of the company, company stability over the years in the past. The pay package comes last.

  11. Anonymous

    I have been in this position before when I started a job for two months and a better job opportunity presented itself. Don't be worry about taking the new job. If you have only been with this current company for a month, you are within the probation period that you and the company can decide if it's truly a good fit. You don't even have to include this current job on your resume.

  12. Kimberley Ferretti Hammett

    If the biggest thing holding you back is feeling guilty about leaving consider these things:

    -It's not that hard on them. It would be harder, in fact, if you were there for years. The job is not too wrapped up in you and what you bring to it yet and they still have a pretty fresh pool of candidates they can call back that are likely mostly available.

    -Did you sign a contract in blood that you would give them at least 2 years of your life and depend your quality of life solely on their best interests? No? Great.. do what's best for you. You did? Maybe rewatch the Little Mermaid and think twice next time.

    My tongue-in-cheek ways of saying the idea of "loyalty" is a little too drilled into our views on career. We don't want to be reckless and disregard our impact on others, but nothing is permeant and companies have to accept that to survive and so we all have to too. You owe them respect, not your quality of life.

  13. Anonymous

    I totally agree with this. As someone working in recruiting, it is way easier to call other candidates while it's still fresh.

    Don't beat yourself too much, it happens.

  14. Anonymous

    Take the offer for the job you want don't feel guilty about looking out for yourself.

  15. Rebecca Ruettiger

    See what they offer, no one takes care of you but you!

  16. Anonymous

    Just take the job you really want to have. If the shoe was on the other foot the company would have no issues letting go of their employees because of reorgs, (this happened to me a month into a job). You are not married to any job, it is employment at will. No one will take care of you but you. Don’t feel guilty!

  17. Kelley Carmichael Downing

    See what they offer if it’s worth it GOOOOOO! The company your working for just thinks of you as a number. I learned the hard way. Trust me.. do what makes you happy because the company you’re working for wouldn’t think twice about doing what’s best for them at your expense! Best of luck :)

  18. Anonymous

    See what the second offer is, never hurts to find out. And if it's in your range, then jump. Be professional of course, don't just ghost your first job. Life is too short. Good luck!

  19. Anonymous

    You need to watch out for you, not your current employer. See what the company you really want to work for is offering and if you like it - then take it! You owe no one anything. Take care of #1. Good luck and congrats!

  20. Valerie Myers

    Recommend exploring the offer and the company. If both are what you are seeking and a good fit, do what is right for you. Be professional if you chose to depart your current company.

  21. Anonymous

    Four years ago I had multiple offers and I ended up taking a job at a company that wasn't a fit. One of the companies that I turned down reached out to me about a month later to tell me that they were still very interested. I was so torn because I didn't want to be seen as a job hopper, but I was miserable at that job. I decided to do what was best for me and my family and took the new job. Since then I've worked on some really cool and impactful projects, I've been promoted and I'm the process of building a new team. I'm so happy that I left that old job.

    I can't tell you what to do, but I've told you my story so that you know when you do what's best for you it can really work out in the end.

    Good luck!

  22. Christy Schwartz

    Make the move

  23. Cyndy Trivella

    It sounds like you're in a quandary, which can sometimes put people into a state of non-action because they don't know what to do.

    I use the Ben Franklin system of pros and cons in situations like this. I write down all the pros and cons of what I need to consider and weigh them side by side. I like using this method because it helps me stay objective and not bring my emotional "biases" into the decision-making.

    This approach might help you come to a decision using a more objective way of evaluating what both opportunities offer and which is a better choice for you. Also, seeing the pros and cons on paper (or a computer screen) makes them more real and tangible.

    Good luck with your choice!

  24. Brenda Crawshaw

    Focus on what YOU want and what will make you happy.

    There is no shame in going to your current employer and telling them that, out of the blue, you were offered a position that you can't turn down. You can be professional about it and if they react poorly, that really is on them.

    Companies hire people on probationary terms and if they aren't a good fit, will end the relationship. Truly, there's no reason this should not be a two way paradigm.

    And since you've been there for such a short period of time, you don't even have to include them on your resume going forward.

    Good luck!

  25. Anonymous

    Do it. Hear them out, and if you like the offer, take it. It’s your career, it’s your life.

    This has happened to me twice. The first time was during my first job out of college. I’d interviewed very well at a company, but during the time I was waiting to hear about next steps, I took another job. The first place called back and wanted me to come in again, but I said I’d already started working, so no. I regretted that for a long time, as the job I had was a bad fit and I wound up leaving within two years to go to graduate school.

    The second time was at the beginning of 2016. I’d had a solid phone interview with the hiring manager. Weeks went by, and I started another job. Got a call from the other company…..turns out, they had a) set up an in-person interview but b) sent all the info to an email I had never given them and that I no longer used. I didn’t pursue it. The job I had was TERRIBLE and I knew I had to leave after being there only 6 weeks.

    Use this as a cautionary tale. Do what is best for YOU and your career. Take the offer.

    I would love to know what you decide.

  26. Anonymous

    I agree with the advice to explore the offer and if it is better for you, go for it! You need to do what is right for you.

  27. JYJ

    Get the details on the offer and if it's better for you, you resign from your current role. This is more common than people think. I've had people leave after 1-2 weeks or months because of these types of situations. DO WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU!!

  28. Crystal Howell

    See what the offer is, Just Do You! Don't worry about the other job, it happens.

  29. Anonymous

    If you want the job, take it! Put in your notice and move forward. Do you feel obligated to stay? Ask yourself, why. Most organizations have no loyalty to their employees. You are the only one that is going to put you first.

  30. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    It wasn't always like this. There was a time, and not that long ago, where companies and employees appreciated one another.

  31. Anonymous

    You should hear their offer. If you like it, take it, and put in your notice. 2 weeks notice is courtesy, but since you're new, you might not even be deep enough to need to give 2 weeks.

    If you have additional requests (higher base salary, more PTO days, other benefits), make them, and see if they will accommodate. If they do, great, and if they don't but you still want to take the offer - see above.

    If you don't want to take it after hearing their offer, there's your answer :)

    Good luck!

  32. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    Why did the company wait two-months before contacting you? What was the delay? You are a good applicant, and they lost you to another company.

    Be careful and do not let the excitement of the call cloud your vision.

  33. Anonymous

    Don’t feel bad about leaving a job after a month, if you got an offer from a company you’d rather work for. Choose the position you feel best suits you.

  34. Anonymous

    Life is far too short to not do what it is you love! Go after whatever it is that will make your heart and soul happy!

  35. Anonymous

    Check out the offer and then measure the pros and cons of this. Unless you signed some sort of contracting forcing you to stay at the company you are at you can leave whenever you choose.

  36. Anonymous

    With no offer in hand, don't do a thing.

    If you receive an offer you agree with, you will jump ship. It's only been a month so let them know the position is not a fit and Friday will be your last day.

    You need to do what's best for you.

  37. Suzanne Stephans

    Take the job you really want, life is short you only live once take the dream job! Best of luck to you!

  38. Anonymous

    I would for sure find out what the offer is , but before accepting this, try to find out why the position is still open. They may of hired someone 2 months ago and might of let them go , or new employee could of quit. I see red flags in situations like this . When I was actively searching and interviewing atleast 2 x a week , ( this went on for around 6 months .) some of the jobs I did interview for would sure enough be advertising for help , for the same position, than what i had interviewed for 2-3 months ago. This always told me something and I felt like I was dodging bullets . Recently I had a phone interview with a company ( worse interview ever ) and I ask why this position was open . Interviewer voice and manner changed and I never really got an answer . This told me something.

  39. Anonymous

    i like your advice. I would definitely do some snooping on all of this; in the meantime, how is the new job going (at the company you didn't want to work for?). the original poster might just decide that she likes it where she's at now!

  40. Shelby C

    Ask for an offer letter. You don't want to shoot yourself in the foot where you are now.

  41. Anonymous

    See what the offer is. Weigh the offer and the job you have. Is the salary/benefits/ commute/culture /supervisor/ team members better than the job you have? Is the company making the offer in good financial shape - no staff reductions in the near future?

    If you do leave your job, you can sau that you got diplomatically say you got an offer the fact that you

  42. EMILY KIKUE FRANK

    To add to what everyone else has said: Get everything in writing before you make a decision.

  43. Anonymous

    Get the offer, then make your decision.

  44. Danna Furnace-Grimes

    Ditto! Get it in writing and then go if it's better.

  45. Anonymous

    This just happened to me as well!

    i am curious what you decide

  46. Joanna Poe

    See what they have to say. Your loyalty should be to yourself and your career path first.

  47. Rebecca A Britt

    This. Right here. Your current company would likely let you go, without a thought, if financial matters dictated the need to reduce headcount. You are in charge of you, and need to likewise, make financial decisions based on your needs.

    That being said, you can leave without burning bridges. Also, clearly weigh your options with this new company compared to the existing one.

  48. Doyin Abike Somoye

    That's nice but carefully look at their terms and conditions, benefits etc. Critically asses if their offer is better than what you are getting at your current job.

    All the best.

  49. Audrey Kirsch

    Can't hurt to have a conversation. See what the offer is and then decide.

  50. Kristie White

    It doesn't sound like the offer you accepted is something you really wanted or value. As you stated, you took it because you needed a job. So if that perception is still true, you won't keep your current position anyway - you will constantly be discontented and misaligned with your goals. So take the conversation, re-assess the company you really liked to re-confirm your earlier perceptions, and if the offer is good for you - take it. Companies expect a certain amount of turnover in the first year because of a misalignment in the candidate and the actual job. It happens and there is no guilt or shame in deciding there is a better opportunity for yourself.

  51. Anonymous

    That’s great! Explore the offer and if it’s still for you, give notice and take it. Congratulations!

  52. Anonymous

    Write down a list of comprehensive questions you would like to ask to help you guage the other workplace. Ask to shedule some time to ask those questions and to spend a day shadow to see what he environment is like and to gauge the environment. Does the folks look happy. Are they verbose and excited to talk to you about what they do or do they look depressed like they want to be anywhere but there. Best piece of advice is never make a blind decision. Even if the place you waned pays more. Learn as much as you can before making a final decision. What I just described explains how. Its your turn to interview them before making the leap to make sure you are no stepping into a worse environment.

  53. Anonymous

    This happened to me, but it was less than a week after I started the new job. I looked at the pros and cons and took the job offer from the company I wanted to work with even though I had just started the other one 5 days prior. I realized I had to take care of me and do what I wanted vs being loyal to a company that, realistically, would have no problem replacing me if they chose to do so.

  54. carol velasco

    Nothing is written in stone. Definitely ask further questions to your preferred company. Then weigh all the variables. And, try to be at peace with you decision.

  55. Kathryn

    Do what is best for you. Period. You are the only thing that matters

  56. tiffany birch

    Explore what they have to offer.
    Your best interest is a priority. Breathe. Trust your inner compass. Remove any “shoulds.” Move into what feels the best.

  57. Laura Browne

    You need to do what is best for you. The fact is that companies don't love us and will let us go at any time. Get the new offer in writing and think about what you really want. It can also help to think about how you will feel in 6 months if you take the job and if you don't take the job. Yes, it might be uncomfortable to have to quit this job but you don't have to get into the reason why. Just thank them and say after a month you realized it's not a good fit. Believe me, if they thought you weren't a good fit after a month, they would let you go.

  58. westiegloria

    You owe no allegiance to the company you've recently worked for 1 month.

    Say this to yourself "My life and happiness are important and I deserve the best for me". Get the new job offer in writing and accept it in written format. Companies are not family and do not love employees. Be polite to the one you are with while letting them you are are leaving. You owe them nothing.

  59. Eloisa Jacinto

    Hello. See what the offer looks like and move from there. A proper goodbye with current i.e., doing a proper turnover of course has to be done. You would never want to burn bridges. Good luck!

  60. Anonymous

    I assume you're employed at will, so you have every right to leave for a better opportunity. Were you looking for work that whole year? Companies are desperate for labor, so it's important to not rush into accepting the first thing that comes along if you dont want it.This is exactly the repercussions of doing so. Wasted time for everyone.

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