Employee Accepts New Job and Gives Notice, Then Comes Back Begging for Old Job After New Company Rescinds Offer

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Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
May 31, 2026 8:00 AM EDT

What's the best way to beg for your job back right after quitting?

This job candidate, who recounted his difficult story to the r/jobs community subreddit, thought he was done with his old position for good. After all, he had been given a start date for a new opportunity and officially accepted it both in writing and over the phone. It seemed like all was in the clear when he put in his two weeks' notice at his now former company. 

However, only a few days later, he learned the unfortunate news that his offer had been rescinded. Now, he has to go back to the Human Resources department at his old job and plead to have his former position back. 

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  • 01

    I gave my two week notice. Then my new employer rescinded my offer.

    Hello everyone, I'm in a tough spot. A company I interviewed with sent me a great offer letter, and I accepted. $25k more than what I'm currently making. Later
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 02
    that same day, I put in my two week notice with my current employer since I wanted to make a smooth transition and give them all the time needed. They were very professional about it.
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 03
    A model in corporate attire walks outside with a cardboard box and a clipboard with a document that says “Resignation” on it.
    via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)

    A model in corporate attire walks outside with a cardboard box and a clipboard with a document that says "Resignation" on it.

  • 04
    The next day the new employer called me and said they had in fact not received approval from their executive to hire a new
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 05
    employee for this team based on company financial projections. As such the offer was no longer available.
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 06
    A photograph representing an employee submitting a letter of resignation to a boss.
    via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)

    A photograph representing an employee submitting a letter of resignation to a boss.

  • 07
    I called the HR rep at my current job and told them what happened. He said while they don't want to see me go, I need
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 08
    to convince my boss to trust that I will stay here longer in order to for them to accept the rescission of my resignation.
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 09
    A model dressed in business attire leaves an office building.
    via Jornada Produtora

    A model dressed in business attire leaves an office building.

  • 10
    I fear that if I get this job back, | will be burning this bridge if I accept any offer that comes my way. TLDR: am I sc ? 3.
    via Huge_Pirate_6053

  • The candidate followed up his initial post with an update after fielding some comments from members of this online community.

    He clarified a few details regarding the specifics of the job offer he received. It sounds like there was more than just a miscommunication between the CEO and the hiring managers. At the end of the day, he probably dodged a bullet by not earning this opportunity. No one should want to work for a company with a CEO who goes rogue like that and who displays erratic behavior. Yes, we're blaming the CEO in this situation because everyone else involved in this hiring process seemed to have been on board with the decision to hire the u/Huge_Pirate_6053. 

    Still, at this point, there aren't many options left for the candidate. If he isn't in a position to be unemployed for the foreseeable future, he should rejoin his old company if he is able to convince his former boss to allow him back. That being said, he should probably stay for a while to at least maintain a facade of loyalty. However, this doesn't mean that he cannot discreetly continue to keep his eyes open for other opportunities. This is at-will employment after all. He doesn't owe his former boss anything. In fact, they're probably going to quietly look for a replacement as well.

     

  • 11
    Edit: to respond to some of the questions, I did receive an actual offer letter in writing breaking down the compensation and benefits, including an official
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 12
    start date that was also discussed in the interview, no contingencies. There was no mention of a background check.
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 13
    A posed depiction of a businessman carrying a cardboard box of personal items.
    via Unsplash+ (Curated Lifestyle)

    A posed depiction of a businessman carrying a cardboard box of personal items.

  • 14
    The recruiter called me early that morning to tell me they were offering me the job and confirm the start date again. He also went over the compensation details with me on the phone, and I verbally accepted as well.
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 15
    Largely a lot of the comments are that I shouldn't have put in my two weeks. However I did have a good relationship with this employer and it was my first job returning to this field after working in another field for a bit.
    via Huge_Pirate_6053
  • 16
    But, the salary is low and there is no room for growth here. Additionally, the new employer reiterated several times how urgently they needed someone to add to this team, describing their needs in detail.
    via Huge_Pirate_6053

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