How Do I Decline A Job I've Already Accepted?

This happened to me too. Company A offered me a job. Company B scheduled two interviews (for two different positions) with me after I accepted the offer from “A” but before I started working for them. I worked for “A” for about four months and it became clear to me it wasn’t a good fit for me. When “B” finally made me an offer I jumped on it. Almost four years later I’m still with “B” and happy I made the switch. The experience taught me to keep your options open for the first few weeks after you start at a new company. It takes time to ramp up the job search process.

"With regret, my circumstances have changed, and I am no longer able to accept your generous offer".

There are so many more factors to consider - for example how many hours of work are required at each company. Finance jobs can come with a lot of unpaid overtime.

The caller is more concerned than he should be about declining an offer he's already accepted. Employers rescind offers without giving it a thought.

I can tell you this, I had a job with a global construction products manufacturer until they had a merger and laid me off after 12 years. They were a VERY well organized, highly competent, process oriented, exacting company. There were very few unknowns, always a procedure for every situation, and I knew what was expected of me. Today, I work in same industry, similar jobs, same/similar customers, but with a small and unorganized company. I make $40K more than the first job. At a $40K pay disparity, if I had the opportunity to go back to my first job, I would not go back. If the pay differential was only $15K? I'd go back in a heartbeat.

I just declined a job I thought I wanted. They flat out refused to answer questions I had, sending me to the internet to query further. What I discovered made me not want to work for that company.

Shows like this remind you of why Dave is the Top Dog. Ken gave one answer initially then pivoted when Dave brought up key points.

A disorganized hiring process is a massive red flag. Having been on both sides of it, I see how it can happen, but it’s a huge red flag. An effective startup should be able to move MORE quickly and decisively, not less.

Take the one that's better for you. They both have a hiring pool of good candidates so there's definitely a backup. I accepted an offer at a company several years back. Got a better offer from my current company that I'm working for. Had to tell the first one no. Worked out well.

Companies (HR) are used to this, esp. right now with unemployment so low. I would'nt lose sleep over telling the other company you are rejecting their job offer. I talk to the HR lady at our company, and she said she gets people that accept job offers, than don't even show up to their first day of job, so giving them any notice, even by email, they will be happy with. It's a job/corporation, it's not like dumping your girlfriend/wife out of the blue.

Dave, you are such a good shepherd. You always give sound real advice. Thank you.

Basically, you have to ask yourself, if both offers were equal in salary / benefits, which one would I choose. If you decide to go with Company B, be honest and upfront with Co A and let them know sooner rather than later.

I took a job with his "company B" thinking that there would be so much opportunity for growth because they're a newer company and the money was better, and I was completely wrong!! The disorganization that Dave described was too much to try and deal with and I was miserable. Went to work for a "company A" nine months later and I've been so much happier! Even with much less pay.

I took a pay cut some years ago to work for a better company. It was one of the best decisions I made. It was a $13k pay cut. I learned and grew so much!!!

I personally thrive better at smaller companies BUT I hope he’s prepared to do more work than what he may be expecting. I wear many more hats at my smaller office than I ever did at the larger companies.

I am in the same position right now. The salary is basically the same However, company B comes with more benefits and seems that it's doesn't feel like a corporation in a good way. 1- more breaks (and kinda can have your own break whenever you want as long there is nothing that has to be done) 2- less work 3- a salary increase every 6 months or so 4- I work in chat support, however company A requires making some calls (and I hate making calls) Also company A seems more Demanding it's serious, however company B is for an entertainment service app and does not seem to be demanding. (don't forget that I can decline company A, but they would most likely put my name in their black list I won't be able to apply for them again)

I love how these guys played the tape through. Great video!

Take the offer from company B to company A and see if they will match it...if they do company A..if not go B. It's a no brainer.

Great great discussion! I have the same dilemma on a much smaller scale. So I'm going to rescind my acceptance of the lower paying job. I wanted to stick to my word but...

Most companies are disorganized. When I decided to retire I pushed management to get someone to replace me and give us several weeks together to make the hand off. I did this because I cared for and respected my teammates and didn't want them to suffer. If I had been going to another job, there might not have been enough time to bring a new guy/gal up to speed.