Going Back On My Word After Taking a Job?

[Godless]

Last week I got offered a co-op position with DuPont this summer and I accepted it. Another company, SAIC, is finally just getting around to interviewing me some time this week. I'm much more interested in the internship at SAIC so I decided to do the interview. If I get a job offer from them and take it, I would kind of feel like an asshole since I already accepted the job at DuPont. What do you guys suggest that I do if I get the second job offer?

[Tank]

Take it and explain to Du Pont why you are doing it. Honesty in these matters tends to be the right course.

[ThinkAnarchy]

Go with the one you want if you have the option. Worry about what is best for you, and not how others will feel about it. There is nothing wrong with changing your mind after accepting a job, just as there is nothing wrong with leaving a job for a better one.

Added: Just give DuPont notice as soon as you accept the other job, so they have time to accept a new candidate.

[Godless]

I feel like it wouldn't be as much of an issue if it wasn't so late into the semester, but since it's so close to the summer I would feel bad rescinding my acceptance. But first I need to see how the interview with SAIC goes.

[ThinkAnarchy]

I feel like it wouldn't be as much of an issue if it wasn't so late into the semester, but since it's so close to the summer I would feel bad rescinding my acceptance. But first I need to see how the interview with SAIC goes.

Try thinking about it this way. You are giving someone else the option of taking the internship with DuPont. Perhaps for the next individual who would get it in place of you, it is their first choice. You would be doing that individual a service.

[DeterminedJuliet]

Think of it this way: Do you think they would worry about letting you go if it was in their best interests? Nope. They probably wouldn't bat an eye. Businesses like to wax on about a "loyal workforce" but, in my experience, that loyalty is very rarely reciprocal. Be honest, but do what's best for you.

[Whitney]

The only reason to consider not backing out of DuPont is if you think you may ever want to work there in the future as changing your mind might get your resume trashed next time it gets sent to them.  Other than that, usually it's best to go with the job that you actually want the most.

[Sweetdeath]

Do what makes you happy. !

[Hector Valdez]

Go for it.

[Tom62]

Follow your heart and take the job that you think is best for you.

[xSilverPhinx]

Go for the job you want, some other happy candidate will fill the vacancy you'll be leaving. Might regret it later if you don't...

[ThinkAnarchy]

Well, the opinion seems to be unanimous, look out for your interests first. 

Do take Whitney's advice into consideration though. As she said, you could burn some bridges if you ever think you may work for DuPont in the future.

[Tank]

The only reason to consider not backing out of DuPont is if you think you may ever want to work there in the future as changing your mind might get your resume trashed next time it gets sent to them.  Other than that, usually it's best to go with the job that you actually want the most.

Whitney makes a good point. This is why you need to be open and honest with DuPont as soon as you know what you're going to do. People move between companies particularly within industries. You will almost without doubt bump into the person at DuPont who you will be turning down at some point in the future. If they think you are fundamentally honest and up-front they will think well of you. If you have given them the run around in the past they may not be so accommodating of you. Business is business but politeness and consideration cost nothing don't make unnecessary enemies.

[Godless]

Thanks for all the responses! I should be talking to someone from SAIC later this afternoon so I'll see how that goes.

[xSilverPhinx]

Thanks for all the responses! I should be talking to someone from SAIC later this afternoon so I'll see how that goes.

Let us know!