Declining an Accepted Offer

Submitted by Angus Macfarlane
in
Career Management

 Hi All,

Need some help.

Current Job

 I work for Company A and a promoted role came up.  It was suggested numerous times that I should apply for it.  Overall I have coasting in my current role and I have for a number of months been searching for new positions externally.

I applied for the position and got it.  I was informed on 3rd August and it was announced to the whole organisation (1,200) shortly after.  I am due to start this position in mid Sept 

Opportunity with Company B

Over the past few months Company B has been chasing me.  Today I went for an interview.  Frankly... I didn't think I had a hope in hell in being successful.  It was a large panel interview with 6 VPs and it was truly a very difficult session.  

That said... I was successful and I have progressed to the final stage.  This is a final interview with the Global VP - but this is not until 3 weeks time.  Therefore realistically... if I was offered and accepted a position... it would be at least 4 months down the pipe.

My problem

I would like to understand everyones views about my current role.  I didn't tell them that I was looking elsewhere.....  I didn't feel it was correct to say.... "thanks for the offer of promotion... but can I wait X days to give you an answer to see if something better comes along??"

I am now stuck in a scenario where I could burn bridges on both organisations.... both my current organisation and Company B.  I don't think it will go down well with Company B if I regret an offer.  What reason could I ever give for rejecting them.... financial is not a reason as we have agreed this ahead of offer stage...

.....

So thoughts would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Submitted by Michael Mann on Friday August 10th, 2012 3:03 pm

Deliver results in your new role at Company A.  You have to do this to maintain your own integrity.  Embrace the role and command it.  Do the best you can.  It's what you are supposed to do.
IF you get an offer from Company B you'll compare it against this new role in Company A.  If your analysis determines Company A is the best for your career you'll thank Company B and decline their offer because you've already accepted another offer.  If the offer from Company B is best, you'll resign from Company A and follow the MT guidance on resigning.
  Anyway... that's my $0.02.  Good luck!
--Michael

Submitted by Allan Hoffman on Friday August 10th, 2012 3:32 pm

I agree with Michael.  While this didn't happen to me, it did happen with a former co-worker of mine.  He was looking outside the company when a promotion came to him from within.  He took the internal offer but always kept his options open.  About a week or so later he was offered a job external to the company that was more in line with where he saw his career path going and he put in his resignation.  While there was some bitterness by his internal manager, most everyone else (including leaders above his manager) respected his decision and wished him well on his new position.
- Allan

Submitted by Rory Hodgson on Wednesday August 15th, 2012 6:49 am

Yeah, this is a difficult one, and one that bothers me. Would that we lived in a world where all interview processes were perfectly timed so we could make a decision amongst all offers at the same time, without letting anyone down. :) 
Being mercenary is something I try to avoid. I don't like leaving bad blood. Although, actually, looking back at your post... you're talking about leaving a promotion for a new role at a new company. I'd say that's fine. Some will be bitter, but you've already done good work for the previous years you've been working there, so go for it.
---
Rory
6147