Thats what I thougt but being a Marine and "Semper Fi" I have a hard time with it. Part of the reason I stayed with my current sinking ship to long.

Don't worry you guys will get the full story once it's said and done pending any NDA I have to sign. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Just be carefull about non compete agreements you may be aseked to sign. Not legal in CA but if you take ajob out of state they can effectivly keep you from jumping with one.

My current employer did not mention they had one until after I quit my previous job moved and was just starting with them.

It puts a guy in a bad spot... Dont sign and for sure I'm out of work. Sign and it may be hard to get a job when I leave. Given the conditions I signed it under it may not hold up in court....

Somedays <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

Kevin C

companies will dump your ass in a heartbeat these days. they don't sit around worrying about laying you off. explain that their offer was without a contract that you really wanted, and now you got that. take the better offer and never look back.

Go on take the money and run. Like Scott said there is no loyalty to employees.

Considering the economy, I'd look at job security as the first priority. Much more than pay or benefits.

Which of the two companies is more likely to weather the coming recession and keep you employeed. Does one company hire and fire based on senority? I'd avoid them if they do.

Otherwise, the American business world today has no ethics and they definately have no loyality, so I wouldn't shed a tear if you decide to leave and go with the new company. That's what they lobby for and that's the way they want it, so that's the way they get it.

However, I would give them notice, if possible, explain the situation and in the end they might offer to match, if you like the new company. Be as gratious as possible. It can't hurt.

I'm sure this happens all the time, when people are applying for multiple jobs and get multiple offers, but not all at the same time. Besides, with the job market going the way it's going, I'm sure they'll find a replacement for you quick enough.

Alrighty then! I'm heading to the airport, 6am flight and 3rd interview 8am Monday morn. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

It would be a lot easier if you hadn't officially accepted the first offer. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> But since you haven't started yet, and you're not under contract...

We had a guy at my previous job who started with us, worked for a week, and then quit to take a higher paying job elsewhere. Boss made sure his references heard about that one. Now that's burning bridges. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

As for job security, it sounds like you're a pretty employable guy. I myself feel pretty secure right now, but I also believe we are headed for the most prolonged downturn in the economy since 1929. Wifey and I are looking at buying a house, but before we commit to 30 years of debt, I'm going to have a real long talk with my boss about what's likely to happen to our budget in a situation like that.

The good news about NDAs is that if it's important enough to the company, they are often willing to give a bit of a golden parachute in the event you are let go. That compensation should be commensurate with the time period covered by the NDA, such as a percentage of your salary for 6, 12, 18 months, however long the NDA is in effect. That is definitely a point to negotiate. For example, my dad once lost his job when the company was bought out, but he kept getting 100% of his salary for 18 months (tied to non-disclosure/non-compete). He took a short vacation, found another job that didn't violate the agreement, and was effectively collecting two paychecks for over 12 months.

Hope your interview went well! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I have no problem with NDAs. They make sense. What I have a problem with is non-compete agreements. Although that doesn't tend to be a problem in my field (IT...I can get a job in any industry), it can be a big problem for a lot of people in other departments.

I also list out all the patent-products I have in the works at the time of the agreement (vague enough not to be stolen) so they don't try to claim ownership.

What about using the offer from the second folks to negotiate something better from your current employer?

One great way around that...'my wife came up with the greatest idea on how to reduce moisture in locomotive airbrakes....' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> But it really happens. Not my wife though... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />