Leaving A New Job Due To Illness And Other Reasons. Is That Correct?

Last month, I was doing a rigorous job search and ended up having 4 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.

Not sure why my full post is not visible. Here it is:

Last month, I was doing a rigorous job search and ended up having 4 offers in hand. I accepted two of them and rejected the other two due to package differences. Out of the two I accepted, company A's offer is better in terms of salary, work location, company value, etc. However, the problem I had was that they communicated to me orally that I had cleared all their interviews, but to release a formal offer letter, it would take 30 to 45 days as their approval process is extensive for new hires. At the same time, company B released their offer. The package is slightly less compared to A, but not bad at all. Since I hadn't received any confirmation from A, I chose company B's offer. However, the week I joined B, they shifted to a location that is really far from my residence. They did give a hint of this location change earlier, but also mentioned it was not certain. Now, it takes 8 times longer to reach B's workplace than it would to reach A's workplace. It has been three weeks since I joined B. For the last three days, I have been experiencing severe back pain, and I consulted a physician who told me that I have a spine problem and advised me not to strain for another 6 months during the course of treatment. He asked me not to stretch due to prolonged travel. Yesterday, I received a call from company A stating they have sent the offer and asked for my confirmation if I can join. Now, I am confused. I don't think quitting a company as soon as I joined is ethically correct because the amount of investment they have made for my training and other resources needs to be considered. On the other hand, I have health issues and I am also tempted by the offer from company A, which is a few streets across my residence. The offer letter from company B states a two-month notice period. I am also 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. 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.

Hello Naren,

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.

Dear Naren,

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?