Help!!I accepted an offer from a Big 4, experienced hire. Signed and returned contract. In the mean time, recieved a much better offer which i will take. 1) What do i do? How do i tell them?2) From a legal standpoint, what can they do?Help!!

Relax,Don't worry too much. I'm no legal expert but employment contracts only bind obligations up to and including notice period, they are not licenses for indentured labour. Its hardly in their interest to pursue you for anything, with the exception of any sign on bonus or any benefits yet received.It won't really bother them much, as a big company, there will be plenty more where you came from (unlike a smaller company who would be aggrieved at the wasted cost of recruitment)Though bailing at the last minute will of course make them angry and burn your bridges some what with that department at least. You may consider being diplomatic and omitting that you are bailling for a better offer, but just say that your personal circumstances have changed in a way that makes it impossible for you to accept their offer. (don't lie, as this is dishonest just present it as a confidential matter, which is your right)

It depends. The Big 4 do tend to have dedicated departments of "heavies" which usually comprise of disillusioned nightclub bouncers who found their previous jobs too mundane. Most likely they will break your legs and tattoo "SCUM" over your forehead. But this is pretty much standard industry practice and perfectly normal.

Firstly, don't feel guilty about it, they wouldn't think twice about dumping you if you were "surplus to requirements". This is business.Secondly, just let them know you're terribly sorry but have been offered something you simply can't refuse. You're really grateful for their offer and everything, but unless they can match it, you have no choice but to go with the other. C'est la vie.Thirdly, the worst they can do is ask you to repay any sign-on bonuses etc you have taken, and ask you to work your notice period.But remember you don't want to burn any bridges so be nice to them.

Was comment 3 supposed to be a joke?It was a poor joke and in poor taste.

You should have no problem backing out of the offer -- no Big 4 wants someone on working for them who would rather be working elsewhere (because inevitably they'll pour a fortune into your training only for you to take it to a competitor in 6 months time).However, do not plan on working for the original employer in the future -- you'll most likely be blacklisted.

"Was comment 3 supposed to be a joke? It was a poor joke and in poor taste"Oh come on... ignore it rather than unnecessarily reveal some of your less positive characteristics

I thought it was a bloody good comment, I was thinking of applying until I clocked on to what the fact that it was a joke.Now where have I put those knuckle dusters...

Seriously though worry not, there is an extended risk of drop out for experienced hires. This is because they are generally pretty good but often frustrated with lack of progress in their industry, they hand their notice in and bingobango ae offered some lovely golden handcuffs deal to stay. Many stay because it's what they really want anyway and in that case good luck to them. Some stay because they are weak and haven't got the courage to make the leap, it's these guys I feel sorry for because in a year or so they'll feel the same but the opportunity will have passed.I jumped, despite a big offer to stay in industry. It was pretty hard to make the changes but I love the variety and intensity of what I do. Industry cannot match that.Today's monologue now complete I shall retire, I feel much better for that, thanks.

Woooah - call the police - someone has stolen your sense of humour! Truth be told, given the serious and honest nature of the first answer, I thought I'd inject some fun. I think it's important to retain a sense of perspective, which sometimes an overtly sarcastic post can ensure. Some might say our profession is one in which laughter is the most important!

Oh yeah right 'Call an ambulance my sides are splitting'Knowing what to say (and how and when to say it) helps to maintain professional standards; in a way that saying the first thing that comes into your head and then pretending it's professional doesn't.

Get over yourself, this is just a forum.

Hmm - I bet you're a laugh at the Christmas Party...

Actually I found the post quite funny. I agree - professional standards should be maintained but I think the audience on this forum are a pretty relaxed bunch. I can't see why the post was offensive - or to be honest why it was in poor taste? I really think you should relax a bit more if you are going to get the best out of this forum. You need to take comments like that with a pinch of salt and not rise and, as a previous poster said, show some of your less positive characteristics.

I wish I could say I was in stitches

Bloody hell you're a moody git aren't you? I'm glad you're not on my team...

me too!

It's not about whether the message was or was not funny.It's about the fact you are totally humourless and for some odd reason unable just to pass on when you find something unfunny.