Leaving a Job and Taking a New One - Problem.

[kitty44]

I have a friend with a challenge on his hands.

He felt like he was going to be fired, thinking that his work was sub-par, so he accepted another position as a contractor. The new job also offered part-time work with benefits which was quite attractive to him. He also knew his employer from a previous job. He signed the offer letter. He delayed giving his notice at his current job, however, because, he, like a wimp, hates confrontation, and he could not think of a valid reason to give for wanting to leave his job. He knew eventually he would need to confront his current boss.

Now it turns out that his current employers do not think his work is sub-par.

Also, his new employer has made it clear that the work, at least in the beginning, will be much more than what was anticipated, and he will need to put in full-time work.

Now, my friend is not so sure he wants to leave his current position, but he realizes he made a commitment to his new employer. The part-time work situation was not specified specifically in the offer letter.

So... my question is, what is the best way to handle for damage control? His new employer will no doubt be highly upset if he backs out as this is a contractor position and a client is depending on some services. Is there some grounds for legal action against him?

How can he make sure his name is not mud in his field? (writing this does indeed make my friend sound like a wimp).

[NewJeffCT]

1. How did he find out his work was not sub-par?

If it was in the process of giving notice, he should just leave that company and take the contractor position. It is usually not a wise idea to stay if you give notice, because the company may think you'll just take the next offer that comes along and leave in a week or a month or two months.

[kitty44]

2. He has not yet given notice

On his work being sub-par...He just had a gut feeling from the reactions he was getting, and he felt he relied too much on others assistance.

[NewJeffCT]

3. He should read the actual contract

to see what happens if he does not fulfill the contract on his end. If it's not clear, he should speak with a lawyer about it.

[kitty44]

4. Well, there is no contract.

The only possible binding agreement is the signed acceptance letter.