This is theoretical but it's shaping up this way because of timing.

Say you accept a job with one company that is "at will" AKA no contract then a few weeks later another company offers you a better paying job with better benefits. I feel bad if I have to jump ship so soon but isn't that how the cookie crumbles?

You are looking out for your well-being, and well as that of your family. They are not. They are looking out for their interests.

Feel better?

You would not do that in as small of an industry I work in. It'd be a bad bad idea.

Well, ya asked!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

So who's gonna treat you right in the long run?

Folks like Microsoft are known for eating their own children, so I figure that's a good question.

You have to do what is best for you and your family. Weigh ALL the options, take everything about each job into consideration. I'd be up front and honest with the employer who made the first offer, and let them know how torn you are. But I wouldn't turn down a much better job in that situation. They hired you "at will"...you can leave "at will". <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Good luck man, I know how tough those kinds of decisions can be.

Some times the good jobs can not be apparent until you are in there sites. Look at more than the money, consider the region, the people, travel and long term outlook.
I agree fully with Landraider, if you burn bridges, do you have more to travel?

You may feel bad, but if the tables were turned and the BOD felt a burning need to increase the stockholder's share by a dime, and laying you off to do so is their only way, they'll do it. Seen it happen more than I care.

Other than what you mentioned about the new opportunity, if all else was equal, I'd do it. Perhaps you could give them a couple weeks notice to allow them to get back in touch and negotiate with some of the other candidates who interviewed for your position.

No, burning bridges isn't really a good thing, but then again, there are a lot of companies out there that need your talent. I wouldn't worry about it.

I agree. The state of California is huge with the "at will" employment senario because employers were being sued for wrongful termination. This way an employer can let someone go without stating why.

A bit of a double edged sword.



Go with whatever helps the bottom line of your company (family). <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Have you ever been told by an employer that "It's not personal, it's just business"? I have and it taught me a valuable lesson.

What Marge said. You gotta take care of #1 first.