have you ever backed out of a job offer?

[jokn388]

After accepting a job offer, have you ever backed out?

[thumpbass1]

Yes, when a better deal came in at the same time for me. I was polite and apologetic, and forthright about what had happened, and the person
who'd offered me the job agreed the other job was a better deal than what he could offer me at the time. Ironically a year later, I got layed off from
that job, and because I'd been honest, and more than polite with the other company that had offered me the job that I'd turned down, I went back to
them with the proverbial hat in hand, and they hired me right away as they still had a similar opening. It ended up being a pretty good job, much
better in the long run than the one I'd lost, even at the lower pay I started at. Life can be funny like that.

[MakiSupaStar]

Yes.

[jokn388]

Thanks for your response. I have no experience with any of this, as I just graduated. Your story gives me hope that they will understand if I decide to go in a different direction. A new offer just popped up that is offering double the salary of the position I agreed to work for. I haven't made up my mind yet, as the original job has some perks that the other cannot compete with. But it is nice to know that if I do decide to bail, it does not necessarily mean a burnt bridge. They don't expect me to work until August, or maybe even September...so hopefully that is more than enough time to get a new hire

Any other anecdotes/opinions on the subject?

[Webtroll]

Yes, but that was a long time ago. With the current job crisis unless I wouldn't do the same thing again unless I was already emplyed and happy there.

[Ziltoid]

Last sunday

[Jim Nazium]

I've done it.

When I went to business school, the career center gave us a big long speech every semester about how unethical it is to do that. I understand their point to a degree; it's a hassle for the company making the offer to have to restart their process, and they won't want to come back to the school to recruit if they keep having people back out of accepted offers. However, at every job I've ever had, I've had to sign an agreement stating that I was "employed at will", I could be fired at any time for any reason, and I could quit at any time for any reason. Keeping that in mind, I don't feel too bad about backing out. There's no contract; we're not getting married.

I wouldn't make a habit of it, but with a strong reason I would do it again.

[Chebass88]

Absolutely. The one company was stringing me along with interviews, but I eventually received an offer, and essentially had accepted it. In the meantime, I received an offer for more money. I took the second, and as a result, it significantly helped me landing the job I have now.

ian

[jp58]

Yeah, I recently backed out of a delivery job offer (I'm tired of driving to make money) to take a job offer elseware. Just be polite if/when you do.

[blendermassacre]

Do what's best for you. It's business, not personal. Life is too short, imo.

[jokn388]

Cool guys, thanks for the input. Anybody have a different opinion on the matter? Maybe from a business owners perspective?

[MJ5150]

No.

-Mike

[guy n. cognito]

Do what you need to do, but expect to burn the bridge with that company.

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by jokn388

After accepting a job offer, have you ever backed out?

Yes. It's all part of business.

[MJ5150]

Are you guys reading the question completely? Backing out after you accept the offer is normal for you guys?

-Mike

[UnsungZeros]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Are you guys reading the question completely? Backing out after you accept the offer is normal for you guys?

-Mike

I don't think anyone here tries to make a habit out of it, but this sort of thing can happen when you get multiple offers. As pointed out before, employment at will works both ways.

I'd be interested to turn the question around and ask if anyone has had a job offer retracted from them? (I'll leave that open to retraction before or after acceptance)

[Fontaine]

Last Thursday I got 2 job offers from the same company for when I finish school, one was from the other side of the country and the other one was in my province. The one that was in my own province was the job I actually wanted, so I had to turn down the other one.

[Ziltoid]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Are you guys reading the question completely? Backing out after you accept the offer is normal for you guys?

-Mike

Well I'm one of the "Didn't read the question completely", I rejected a job offer Sunday never said yes to it, but once I only stayed at a certain job for a week and left when I got a better offer, another time was a month, and another 3 weeks. I didn't even bother to give my 2 weeks notices since it's not like I'm going to put jobs I only stayed for short time on my resume but surprisingly left in good therms with all 3 of them.

[HailCorduroy]

I've done it once. I got offered a bunch of money to do consulting work and my current boss was out of town. I had to make a decision and accepted the consulting gig. When my boss got back in town, he asked me to stay and I laid out my reasons for leaving (money and advancement). We worked out the issues and I decided to stay. The consulting company wasn't real happy and I figured that bridge was toasted. About a year later, they called me for another gig. I turned 'em down flat. I'm still with the company I stayed at.

I definitely wouldn't recommend making a habit of it. Especially if you are in a smaller market.

[Woodchuck]

Back in 93, I had a chance to do it, but I didn't. Transamerica made an offer, and I accepted. At the same time (same day), this other firm made an even better offer, but Tranamerica REALLY needed me, or so they said. I took the lesser offer, and about 8 months later, I was promoted to a position that paid about 4k better than the offer I turned down.