Backing out of a job you just started

KD wrote:

I recently accepted an offer with a large organization and started five weeks ago. This morning, another potential employer I interviewed with once (at the same time I interviewed for my new job) offered me the position I applied for. While I don't have any problems with the job I just started (and the employer), I would love the other position more, and it has more responsibilities and better pay. Any advice as to how to handle such a situation? I don't want to burn any bridges since I might want to go back to my current employer someday. I suppose I could tell them I left to advance my career, but I don't know how they would take it.

Burning bridges is the only real problem. Many industries are very inbred. If you REALLY want that other job and you believe it doesn't have any hidden negatives, then put in your 2-weeks notice and go take it.

The only caution I have is that since you have been working at this new job for 5 weeks, you already have a sense of how things are there, and if that's not too bad, that's a good thing to know. You do NOT know how it will be at the other job.

thedudette wrote:

I would switch jobs.

Who cares if you burn the original bridge? Whatever you do you are burning one bridge.

If you don't take the newest offer you burn that bridge too. And since you think and it looks like the best offer take it!!

This is totally a no brainer

I think you are wrong in that not taking the new offer will bunt that bridge. It is as simple as saying "I really like your company but I just started a new job and do not feel right about leaving it". I seriously doubt any employer would hold that against you in the future. If they do, it might say something about that company.

I would call the other company, thank them for the offer, but explain that you can't take it since you just started your other job. To do anything else would be a sign that you lack any integrity... to those who know you and to yourself, and especially to the company you now work for.

KD wrote:I don't want to burn any bridges since I might want to go back to my current employer someday.

You can't have it both ways.

Scrooge wrote:

I would honor my original commitment.

For how long? How long is a commitment to a job?

I would tell your current boss about the job offer. Explain that it is more money and responsibility, and see what he or she says. Taking the highest paying job is not always the best option. IMHO having a mentor and surrounding yourself with people that will allow you to be successful are the most important things (especially early in your career).

People change jobs all the time, and it is not really a big deal, but make sure that you give 2 wks notice. Also, before accepting the new job ask for more money. Simply asking “Is this the best offer that you can make” got me an extra 5k.

I left a job after just 3 months there. Before that I always saw people flipping jobs frequently as immature, but when I was forced into the position, I couldn't pass it up. 2 years later, I'm happy I left. And it wasn't as awkward as you'd think.

Which place provides you the best situation 2 promotions from now? Figure that out and then go with that employer

flagjr wrote:

That will look interesting on your future resume. Good interview fodder. "So, Mr. Johnson. Why did you work at company X for only 5 weeks?"

You would not list the 5 week job. So this won't be a problem

Whatever you do, make sure the company you are considering jumping to gives you ALL details of your offer (job responsibilities & title, compensation, benefits, etc) in *written form* before you do/say anything to your existing employer. You don't want to be caught in a situation with a bridge possibly burned AND no job!

If you have a history of long-term employment then go for it. Multiple short-term stints can hurt your hiring appeal in the long run. People understand not fitting into a company or switching for a better opportunity. As long as you don't have more than two in your entire history it should be fine. This is also a important piece for promotions. If the company is going to take their time and money to train you for a better position they need the reasonable assurance that you will be there for a long time.

genuine random a hole wrote:

[quote]flagjr wrote:

That will look interesting on your future resume. Good interview fodder. "So, Mr. Johnson. Why did you work at company X for only 5 weeks?"

KD wrote:

Any advice as to how to handle such a situation? I don't want to burn any bridges since I might want to go back to my current employer someday. I suppose I could tell them I left to advance my career, but I don't know how they would take it.

I think its better to stick around for a year and don't even think about it since I think that's the standard protocol. After that the opportunity for the other job may be gone, but I guarantee it won't be gone for the next decade if you did eventually decide with more experience. The reason I say that is, you are potentially going into a minefield of regret. This current job doesn't sound bad to you its a given, but you may go into a much worse situation with the unknown. Could you handle the regret? I have like a nauseous adversion to these kind of situations and just make up my mind to not worry about it and wait a year to decide then.

thedudette wrote:

dude.

Use your head and think about this logically.

Yes. If you leave the option to go back someday may not be there. But if you don't leave the new job will CERTAINLY not be there.

Not only do you get a better job if you switch but you still have a backup possibility.

take new job = Gauranteed job + possible bridge still intact

stay with job = guaranteed bridge burnt + guaranteed old job

and on top of this the new job is better. seriously do not understand your logic here can you please explain

Why is it you think that it is possible Job1 bridge could remain intact, but dismiss the possibility that Job2 would still be interested in a candidate they liked but were not able to bring on board.

Use your head and think about this logically. I seriously do not understand your logic here can you please explain.

OP,

Take the better job.

knox harrington wrote:

KD wrote:I don't want to burn any bridges since I might want to go back to my current employer someday.

You can't have it both ways.

This is a good point here. Just remember there's probably a good chance they will turn on you soon as you mention it since a 5 week guy is definitely an outsider. It would be completely different if you've developed time with the group, then they would maybe be happy for you got a chance to move up so to speak. Yeah I can guarantee that won't happen to you. Take it from someone that got roasted even though I only moved within the company on an emergent project. Unlike your situation, I knew I had to have the project on my resume it was too good to pass up. The manager blackmarked my evaluation. I have no regrets though having worked on the project was just too good but I paid for it.

KD this is dumb advice,

This is most likely from an old timer who regrets his 9-5 slog and justifies it under the guise of 'loyalty'

There is absolutely nothing wrong with leaving. Approach your employer and say you have this offer and it is better for x and x reasons. You may be surprised that they match it and recognize your value especially if you have worked hard your last 5 weeks.

As long as you handle this professionally. (give your current employer the details, chance to match down and 2 weeks notice) in no way does this show you have any less integrity.

Poor form "loyalty?" making this young man think that.

Take the job if you'd rather work there than at your current employer.

Right out of college, I was at a company for 5 months and got offered a similar job at a competing company that I would rather have worked for. At first, I didn't want to take it because I was nervous about the loyalty issue and quitting so soon after they took time to hire/train me.

Best decision I ever made was leaving. Within 2 years, the other 4 people I started with had all quit or gotten laid off, and I now do waaay better than I ever would have at the original position.

Take a chance. Might be awkward for the next 2 weeks, but a month/year/5 years down the road it won't bother you a bit.

ogo pogo wrote:

There is absolutely nothing wrong with leaving. Approach your employer and say you have this offer and it is better for x and x reasons. You may be surprised that they match it and recognize your value especially if you have worked hard your last 5 weeks.

As long as you handle this professionally. (give your current employer the details, chance to match down and 2 weeks notice) in no way does this show you have any less integrity.

Not to jump in here uninvited, but I agree with everything you say in terms of the way things should be. But half the people in this world will react from the standpoint that you are a thankless person that turned down their majesty while the other half will be happy for you. You don't know what you are going to get unless you know the people really well and this 5 week guy won't know that.

Take the job you want.

Take the job you want. If you're good at what you do burning a bridge won't matter in the long run, no matter how small the profession you are in.