Terminate a job offer after acceptance

[testinz]

I accepted a position and found out that it is not the right one for me.

Does anyone know if there are any legal concerns if I cancel a job offer that I signed and accepted only after 1 week? The job's start date is end of september.

Thanks!
Testz.

[xwar]

Nope, you haven't started to work there yet, you can terminate with any issues, other than getting yourself a bad rep in that particular industry.

[ViperZ]

If the job is unionized, then it will depend on the union contract with the company. Some unions consider you an employee at the point when you sign your offer. So you may need to submit your 2-week resignation letter in this case. LOL.

[joehan]

so basically, just getting a bad rep rather than anything serious ~~~
as long as u give ur notice then ....

[testinz]

Thank guys... I guess I will just go ahead and do that then.

Probably will never have a chance to come back to that company again after this :(

[rdtx2002]

Thank guys... I guess I will just go ahead and do that then.

Probably will never have a chance to come back to that company again after this :(

your fault for accepting it in the first place

[Tharyn]

Thank guys... I guess I will just go ahead and do that then.

Probably will never have a chance to come back to that company again after this :(

Also depending on the industry, you may have a tough time finding employment with related companies. HR people tend to be a close-knit community, although that varies from industry to industry.

[gman]

I hope you did not get the job through a head hunter. He or she will be very pissed and black list you.

[FastFokker]

Did you sign or just agree to take the position?

If you signed, review what you signed. That would be a legally binding contract and the company could hold you accountable.. not to say they would or will.

[Jaytee]

Im sure they rather you resign now then a month into the job.

We had a guy quit two weeks into the job. Actually Ive seen that a few times, sometimes its just not the right fit.

I would just call them and explain the situation. The start time is like a month away so they still have time to go to the next candiate.

That said, its never good to burn your bridges.

[coolspot]

You guys are making too big of a deal - do you think the employer would rather have the OP stay and have an unhappy employee?

Of course not!

Quitting before starting a job... or shortly after happens all the time.

Sure, the hiring manager might be a little ticked he wasted time hiring the guy, but the manager will get over it quickly.

So to the OP - just explain your situation in a polite manner ... and hope for the best!

[FastFokker]

Depends on the job obviously.

Though surely leaving the company before they've spent time, money and effort on you is a better idea.

The guy just wanted to know legal implications, and technically there could be some, depending on what he signed. Though like I said before, it's still not that likely any company would actually follow their rights from the legally binding contract (if there was one), and also the OP just never stated what the job was.

I mean if it was to sell shoes at Foot Locker.. then yeah, go ahead and walk away (no pun intended). If it was a big time company, beware.. they often have some tight inner circles, so make up a good excuse of why you cannot fulfill the obligations you agreed to, if there were infact any.

[john widow]

Good, you leave before you start, it's kinda bumming and uninspriing to see a dude show up and be new for work, then leave soon after with barely a notice.

[boneca]

You may want to let the employer know in writing that you are declining the offer. Your letter should be polite, brief and to the point. Never burn bridges as the employer may have a better offer for you down the road.

[7jai]

Did you sign or just agree to take the position?

If you signed, review what you signed. That would be a legally binding contract and the company could hold you accountable.. not to say they would or will.



Like he said, if you agreed to the position, your not really in a binding agreement. However if you had sign the dotted line, the contract should have mention certain terms for "termination of contract/employment". Usually it is 2 weeks notice prior to the date you want to be expelled from the company.

[Pete Jones]

How about instead of writing them and cutting them loose, pick up the phone and call the person who hired you and explain to them your situation.

Although I don't know anything of your particular situation, you may find out that the position in question is in fact what you want. There may have been some issues that clouded the issue for you.

Also, if they really like/want you, they might just have something else to offer you to keep you onboard.

At the very least, they can't fault you for calling them and being honest with them.

--Pete

[testinz]

Thanks all for the replies.

I talked to the hiring manager and got the situation resolved. No hard feelings on both sides.

It was a good lesson for me. Never take an offer unless you are sure it is right for you :). My current job is programming, the new offer is for technical support, which was not what I really interested in since my long term goal is still in programming.

I also heard that it is difficult to come back to programming after you do technical support. Any opinion on that?