I was offered a better position two weeks into a new job.

I was offered a better position two weeks into a new job.

I am not able to put in a full two weeks notice and I am worried about repercussions even though they are jobs in two different industries.

The new job is closer to home, offers the same pay, hours and benefits but also made it clear that it would be the training position to replace a more senior person. I also feel that the job I just started has a culture that doesn’t mesh with my values and several large red flags appeared in my first week already.

Any advice on how to soften the blow when I talk to my boss on Monday?

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9 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Just be honest. Don't tell them you have a new job. Just say it's not a fit and wish them well. You can leave in a day since your only been there 2 weeks.

  2. Anonymous

    If you see red flags on the new job and haven’t alerted anyone to leaving your other job ….maybe take some leave from your other job and give your new job two weeks trial to and observe and ask a lot of questions if you continue to see flags you may want to keep your more stable job if not too late.

    Your peace of mind and stability should trump more money

  3. Anonymous

    No need to make excuses. You leave and do what's best for you.

  4. Sam P'h

    Mazel tov! I’m sure more than a few of us have been in your position where we realized that our new job wasn’t a good fit.

    I can’t tell you how happy I am that a better offer came along. Now send the email to your current boss and offer to give as much notice as you can - or don’t. You haven’t been there long enough so this will barely be a blip on your resume

    Now go celebrate!

  5. Anonymous

    Typically at 2 weeks you’re not much of a “service” to a new role. I wouldn’t feel guilty at all. We all forget that this is business and our superiors would do what’s best for them as should we.

    I have never been in this situation but my brother has, and he didn’t even bat an eye. He walked into his boss’s office and quit after he had accepted and passed the background check of course for the role he had gotten 2 weeks later. If you don’t plan on going back to this current company you’re at, I don’t see the need for providing a 2 week notice. Hate to say it but sometimes as women we need to think like men.

    congrats btw!

  6. Anonymous

    congratulations! I think many people have been in your shoes.

    I actually just declined a job I had accepted that I haven't even started yet due to a better offer. There had been a couple of red flags... not super serious, but things that niggled at me and when the better offer came along (a little more money and more in my field) I jumped at it and declined the first offer.

    Red flags if you are curious...

    I had to request an interview with a c-level person with whom I would be spending 50% of my time, but had not yet met. I said I couldn't accept the job without meeting him.

    And, during that meeting he said a couple of things that are 180 degrees from my work philosophy about relationships etc...

    When the second offer came through, I jumped!

  7. JYJ

    Congratulations! You've got a lot of great advice here. I agree with keeping it short and sweet. You don't have to mention you have another job. Thanks for the opportunity, but this isn't a fit for me. Remember-employers don't hesitate to do what's right for them and we've all read the stories of people being let go with zero notice. Do what's best for you and enjoy your new job!!

  8. froerden@yahoo.com

    You should read your boss the words you just posted. That says it all. Good luck in your new job.

  9. Liz Wanic

    If you're moving to a new role at a new company in a new industry, I don't think you have any reason at all to worry about repercussions. Remember that the only one managing your career is you and you need to do what is best for you. As a former boss told me a long time ago, your employer is not your friend and it's not a betrayal to take a position that is better for you. I would simply tell your current boss that you are sorry to leave so short into your time there, but that an opportunity you were waiting for has come through. The timing is not great, but it rarely is!

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