What if you accepted a job offer, paperwork signed and everything and then another job you had been interviewing for (which is the one you truly wanted) extends an even better offer less than 2 weeks after signing the first jobs acceptance paperwork? What would you do?

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Take the one you want or else you’ll always wonder. Be cordial and try to smooth it over with the one you’re turning down.

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Unless there is a bridge you don’t want to burn, take the better offer

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Yeah u haven’t even started yet so just take the better offer and don’t look back. You’ll regret if you don’t

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You can always rescind your offer acceptance. Just make it cordial.

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That happens all the time, especially in highly competitive situations. Be cordial, don’t ghost the first employer, and accept the position you actually wanted.

likeuplifting

That's a tough call, but ultimately I'm a believer that you need to do what you define as best for you. Keep in mind this company you've completed the paperwork for would have no qualms about letting you go your second or third day in if it was ultimately decided that it was best for the company. Since I believe organizations are disinclined to look out for my best interest when it's in conflict with their own, I take no issue with choosing my own best interests when it's in conflict with an organization.

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I had the exact same situation about 5 years ago. It feels slimy, but you ultimately have to put yourself and your career first.
It's just a matter of getting out burning as few bridges as possible. Best way to do this is to be upfront and honest (and of course apologetic) in letting them know as soon as possible - so as to limit their inconvenience.
As other posters have said, you will always wonder what could have been if you don't.

likeuplifting

Take the one you want! I made this mistake and now full of regret

likehelpful

Take the one you want. Literally had something similar happen about a decade ago. Got an offer from a target company, but was in process still for a role that was far superior from a career development standpoint. 4 days before I was supposed to start role, the second company offered me. I leveraged the initial offer against the second company (“Really excited about this opportunity & I prefer to company A position, but I was really hoping you’d make the decision a little easier for me. Can you offer me a sign on bonus?” — they couldn’t, but they upped my base by $12k on the spot which made their offer superior).

I was torn up about calling the first company to let them know I wouldn’t be coming in on Monday bc I received a better offer. A buddy from grad school that spent his career in HR eased that burden telling me that this happens ALL the time and hiring managers are nervous until the candidate walks in the door on day 1.

likeuplifting

Definitely take the better offer, I was in the same situation and it was the best and most important decision I made in my career

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It didn’t lead to the S&T role directly, but the decision led to the opportunity of getting the seat.

Ouch. I mean I hate to say it, it's a bit unprofessional, but it's your life so take the role you want.

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It’s not unprofessional, it’s actually doing the first employer a courtesy as ultimately, if the candidate isn’t truly all in, it costs the company more in the long run to hire somebody else later after training you for however long you stay, or on the flip side they might be getting a less than enthusiastic/dedicated employee.

I actually just accepted a contract to hire role. I told the recruiter up front I was waiting on another offer that’s remote and he told me flat out, accept this role now and if you get another offer that’s better, we won’t have even finished onboarding by then and it’s fine, happens all the time. This is a competitive job market and it’s in both parties best interest for the candidate to choose a job they will love.

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Slightly different but essentially the same situation happened to me. I took the job that I originally accepted and now, even a few months into the current position, I’m wondering what if i had taken the chance on the one i really wanted…just take the one you really want and politely turn down the offer you already accepted. that’s what I wish I had done

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If you were hoping this is a sign to take the better offer… it is.

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Take the better offer. You don't owe anyone anything. You have to do what is best for you.

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I guarantee you weren’t the only person interviewing. They can move on to the next best candidate. It shouldn’t be a big deal.

likehelpful

You only live once my friend. Go with your heart

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I’m currently in the same situation right now. Accepted an offer, but actively being interviewed on the final rounds of the job that I want. I’m using the one I accepted as a back up but delaying my start date as long as I can until the process is over. If the one I want extends an offer, I’m taking it. I already made a draft to rescind just in case. I would only suggest smoothing the letter and be cordial with your message delivery. If you’re not worried about burning the bridge, I think it should be fine.

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This is exactly my plan as well. Congratulations and good luck!

Definitely take the one you want. This happens quite often and it just shows how competitive the market really is. But be very professional when replying to the company you are now looking to turn down.

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This legit happened to me last week. I took the better offer because compensation was way above the other one, however, I regret not asking the initial company to match, maybe just to test the waters. Do what is in your best interests, be polite and honest.

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I’m dealing with this now as well except I already started the first job.

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What have you decided to do?

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