We’ve all fantasized about that moment—opening an email to find a job offer from our dream company. The excitement, the validation, the possibilities! But what happens when this dream scenario collides with your current reality? What if you’ve just started a new job?
I recently watched a video addressing this exact dilemma, and it got me thinking about how many professionals handle this situation poorly. The advice shared was spot-on and worth expanding upon.
Jumping ship too quickly can damage your professional reputation and burn bridges you might need later. Yet staying in a role that doesn’t fulfill you when something better comes along isn’t always the right answer either.
Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome
The first crucial step is to thoroughly review the new offer. This might seem obvious, but many people get caught up in the excitement and fail to scrutinize the details. Ask yourself:
- Is this truly better than my current position?
- Does it align with my long-term career goals?
- Am I just attracted to the novelty or prestige?
- Have I considered factors beyond salary (benefits, work-life balance, growth opportunities)?
If after careful consideration you realize the offer isn’t substantially better, stay put. But don’t ghost the company that reached out! Respond professionally, thanking them for their interest while explaining your current commitment.
“Thank you so much for your offer. I would be so happy to join the team. However, I recently accepted a role at another company, and I’m unavailable for the time being. If anything changes in the future, I’ll be sure to reach out.”
This approach keeps the door open for future opportunities while honoring your current commitment.
When The Offer Is Truly Amazing
If you determine the new opportunity is genuinely worth pursuing, follow these steps:
- Negotiate and secure the offer in writing before making any moves with your current employer
- Schedule a face-to-face meeting with your boss as soon as possible
- Deliver the news directly and professionally
The conversation with your current boss will be uncomfortable—there’s no way around that. But dragging it out only makes things worse. Five minutes of discomfort is better than weeks of anxiety or an unprofessional exit.
I’ve been on both sides of this conversation. As a manager, I respected employees who were direct and professional about pursuing better opportunities. As an employee who once left a job after just three months for a dream role, I can attest that handling the transition with grace preserved relationships that later proved valuable.
The Resignation Conversation
When meeting with your boss, express genuine gratitude for the opportunity they provided. Acknowledge the awkward timing and offer a standard two-week notice period. Most importantly, frame your decision around the exceptional nature of the opportunity rather than any shortcomings in your current role.
“Hi, boss. Thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with me. I have some news. I recently had an unexpected opportunity present itself to me, and I’m afraid that it’s something that I just can’t turn down. This is a very hard decision, and leaving a job this soon is not something that I typically do, especially when I’ve enjoyed a role as much as this one.”
Remember to offer help with the transition: “I apologize for this being inconvenient, and I’m happy to stay on for two weeks to ease with the transition. I wanted to let you know as soon as I could so that you had as much time as possible to find a replacement.”
While some employers might be upset regardless of how you handle the situation, most reasonable managers understand that career decisions are personal and business isn’t personal. They may even respect your ambition.
The professional world is smaller than you think. The boss you disappoint today might be someone whose path crosses yours again. By handling your departure with integrity and respect, you protect your professional reputation and keep doors open for the future.
So if your dream company comes calling, don’t panic—and don’t rush. Evaluate carefully, decide thoughtfully, and communicate professionally. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint, and how you handle transitions matters just as much as where you go.