I Got Offered Double Pay at a Competitive Company, Now HR Got Involved
Many people face unexpected challenges when trying to improve their careers, especially when rival companies and workplace pressure collide. Stories about job transitions, employer retaliation, and sudden setbacks resonate with thousands of readers looking for guidance. Recently, we received a letter from a reader dealing with this very situation.
Jane’s letter:
I (43,F) got a job at our competitive firm, same role, double pay.
When I went to hand in my resignation letter, HR panicked. They said a 2-week notice wasn’t enough, especially during our busiest season. I didn’t really care.
Then they added, “Betraying us and going to our biggest competition after 12 years won’t end well for you!” I just smiled and walked out.
But on my first day at the new job, something felt strange. Everyone in the office was staring at me. No warm welcome. Nothing.
Then I froze when I received an email from my new manager. It said, “We sincerely apologize for having to withdraw our job offer. We received a letter from your former company with negative feedback, stating that your work was left incomplete. We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors.”
I went pale. That first day was supposed to be the day I signed my contract for this new, better job — but suddenly, I had no job at all.
Clearly, my former company had pressured them to drop me. No company wants to risk bad blood with another firm over a single employee.
What should I do? Was I wrong for leaving my former job?
Am I really the betrayer — or the one who was betrayed?
