Start date keeps getting pushed back

[emerald86]

I signed a job offer for a new job last month and was told that my start date would definitely be in the beginning of April, so I resigned from my previous job. Well, when my start date arrived, I was told that my new start date would be a week later. And then a week later. This kept happening week after week. Now we're getting close to the end of April, and I'm still not sure when my start date will be, although I'm being told that it will be next week.

I am getting updates from the company nearly everyday though, and they are telling me that they are trying to navigate this whole work from home situation and get some approvals. They are also still trying to hire more people and hoping to get everyone started at the same time.

I'm slowly starting to lose faith, and I cannot afford to be unemployed for too long. Luckily, I have a couple job interviews coming up and one of them looks very promising. Suppose I did find a new opportunity with a firm start date, would it look really bad for me to leave this company? 

I understand these are very difficult times, and I don't want to burn any bridges at this company. But I don't want to be unemployed for too long.

[NomiMalone]

I’d be pretty annoyed too. A month is a long time to expect someone to be unemployed for. They should’ve told you about the delayed start date so you could’ve made a decision about whether to resign from your previous job or not. The company’s behaviour is a bit of a red flag for how the company is run and decisions are made (in a pretty disorganised way). In accepting their tardiness, you’re unintentionally sending out a message that they can get away with messing you around. It’s good that they’re in daily communication with you but that’s just softening the situation on their part.

Depends on how much you want the job. If you find something else, you can be direct with the indecisive company and let them know that you were genuinely looking forward to starting with them, and understand that the pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works. But you’ve been offered another position with an immediate start date, and will accept the role unless they (the indecisive company) can lock in an immediate, or at least definite start date, in an agreement in writing.’Saying that in a sincere, apologetic way will not burn any bridges. Surely they’ll understand the situation from your point of view. 

[d0nnivain]

It's frustrating but it's all about Covid.  It's not about you.  You are just stuck in the middle.  If you have ideas about how to get training or make it easier for your new company to on board you, suggest them to your contact person.  

[Ellener]

@emerald86 I think all you can do is play it by ear.

My son's employer didn't decide in a timely manner either so he applied for unemployment which of course was denied but it sort-of gently forced the issue and they paid him...he's waiting to see what happens next. 

 

[ShyViolet]

I'm not sure what you mean "would it look bad" for you to leave this company.... you haven't actually started with this company.  You have every right to keep interviewing for other jobs, and if another job comes along that you think is worth it, take it.  Don't feel bad.  Just be honest with the company that is pushing back your start date, tell them another job has come along and you've decided it's the right decision for you to take it.  Even if they're upset with you, it doesn't matter.  It doesn't negatively affect you in any way... you won't be putting that job on your resume or using them as a reference or anything.  You have to do what you feel is best for you.

Edited April 27, 2020 by ShyViolet