How to Handle Job Offer Dilemmas: When Delays and Relocations Create Chaos

Last month, I was doing a rigorous job search and ended up having four offers in hand. I accepted two of them and rejected the other two due to package differences. Out of the two offers I accepted, Company A's offer is better in terms of salary, work location, company value, etc. However, the issue I faced was that they orally informed me that I had cleared all their interviews, but it would take 30 to 45 days to release a formal offer letter due to their extensive approval process for new hires. Meanwhile, Company B released an offer. The package was slightly lower compared to A, but still reasonable. Since I hadn't received any confirmation from A, I chose Company B's offer.

However, the week I joined B, they relocated to a place much farther from my residence. While they had hinted at this location change earlier, they also mentioned that it wasn't definite. Now, it takes me eight times longer to commute to B's workplace compared to A's. It has been three weeks since I joined B, and the situation is becoming inconvenient.

Dilemma Between Job Offers and Health Concerns

Last month, I was engaged in a rigorous job search and ended up with four offers. I accepted two of them and rejected the other two due to package differences. Of the two I accepted, Company A's offer was better in terms of salary, work location, and company value. However, they communicated orally that I had cleared all their interviews, but it would take 30 to 45 days to release a formal offer letter due to their extensive approval process for new hires.

Meanwhile, Company B released their offer. The package was slightly less compared to A, but still reasonable. Since I hadn't received any confirmation from A, I chose Company B's offer. However, the week I joined B, they relocated to a location much farther from my residence. They had hinted at this location change earlier but mentioned it was not certain. Now, it takes eight times longer to reach B's workplace than it would to reach A's.

For the last three days, I have been experiencing severe back pain, and a physician advised me not to strain for another six months during the course of treatment. He recommended avoiding prolonged travel. Yesterday, I received a call from Company A stating they have sent the offer and asked for my confirmation to join. Now, I am confused.

Ethical Concerns and Health Issues

I don't think quitting a company as soon as I joined is ethically correct because of the investment they have made in my training and other resources. On the other hand, I have health issues and am tempted by the offer from Company A, which is just a few streets away from my residence. The offer letter from Company B states a two-month notice period. I am unsure if I can travel to the office during these two months or if Company A would be willing to wait for me to join.

Seeking Expert Advice

Now, I am seeking some expert help. Whom should I talk to? Will it create any problems further in my career?

Note: If I didn't have any health issues, I would not want to leave my employer. I am happy with the role and package as well.

Regards,

I think you should submit your medical documents to HR. Speak to them about the medical grounds that make it difficult for you to continue your job. See what the response is.

Meanwhile, also have a word with your new company. Inform them that since the offer from them was delayed, you have already accepted another offer which you are not comfortable with. You can consider taking up their current offer, but they will have to wait until you smoothly exit from the old company.

Regards,
Barkha

Thank you, Barkha, for your inputs. I'm not sure if they would ask me to pay for not serving the notice period. I haven't drawn my salary yet for these three weeks from them.

Has anyone come across such a situation where a new employee was sent without having to pay the notice period? I just want to understand the perspective of an HR and be prepared when I address this issue with my hiring manager.

Trust you have identified your plan of action. Your case seems clear to me. If you cannot travel and develop a serious health issue, you will not be productive to Company B. Share the recent medical report and stress the point that it surfaced entirely because of the travel. The location wasn't disclosed to you before you joined; otherwise, you might not have ventured. Steer clear of your reasons and take up a role where you can contribute effectively in the long run.

Wish you all the best!

Thank you, Namobita, for your expert advice. I am going to talk to my reporting manager first. I have informed company A and asked for a little time. My concern is if they ask me to serve the notice period or pay the notice pay (2 months) and leave deliberately, I am not in a position to do that. What would HR's view be on this scenario? Would my situation be considered, and could I be released without notice pay and period?