What do when you’ve already accepted a job offer but then received a better offer? Does it look bad on you to decline the first offer?

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I am minimally ashamed to say I’ve been there. I accepted a role with a small agency, for a design role, which I was excited for. However, about 2 hours after accepting, I received another offer that was significantly better. At the end of the day I made the tough decision to go with the second offer. I called the agency, and let them know my decision.

Surprisingly, a year later, I ended right back at that same small agency when a better position came available, and they sought me out directly. There was a little tension during the interview period, but we moved past it.

It ended up working out for me. I wouldn’t decide strictly on the money, but it is a real factor. So do what’s good for you. Just make sure it’s the right move. It may be a burned bridge, but there are some bridges you likely won’t cross again regardless.

Long story short, try not to decline after accepting an offer. But, if this second offer is better for you, and perhaps a dream job, do what you’ve got to do.

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Very helpful thanks so much for the advice. There are pros and cons with both jobs. The biggest factor that stood out the most was the salary. However, the work I’m not quite sure if I’d enjoy what I’m doing a year from now in contrast with the first offer which seems like I’ll be working on various types of design work. This first job offer is also remote flexible while the 2nd offer is completely remote. First offer seems to have a little bit more culture than the second job offer which is an important factor for me as well. The con about the first job offer is that it is a smaller company while the second is a much larger company.

It does, but you gotta do what’s best for you.

One key consideration for you as you make this choice: is the better offer good enough to burn the bridge with the company you accepted a role with? I don’t think that is always going to happen when you back out of a deal, but it is something to be mentally prepared for.

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go with the work you want in your portfolio over the money. enjoy the work and you’ll be less miserable. people decline accepted offers all the time, just don’t decline and then try to accept again after that..

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It'll be fine, they'll just offer the position to someone else you beat in the interview process. Be gracious but do what's best for you

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