Terminating Summer Student Offer

suicidexcuse

I got offered a job within a small companies records management department around February. I've signed papers and accepted. Although it wasn't in my major (accounting) I was happy to get a job.

But now I think I've got a job through my wifes aunt. She's worked as a house keeper and nanny for a CEO of a big Canadian company for 20 years. She handed my resume to her boss who is going to give me a summer student position in their accounting department. I haven't heard from anyone other then my aunt who says I already have a job for sure.

So my question is should I terminate the original offer right now so that they can get someone new before I start in May? The contract says that either party can terminate the agreement at any time by giving 2 weeks written notice. Should I wait till I have heard from the other company and have something in writing? I suppose it doesn't make sense that they would hold to me only two weeks of work if I were to tell them I found a better job but I don't want to be a jerk and terminate without two weeks notice. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks.

Demerdar

Don't assume anything, until you get something in writing you should NOT terminate your other offer. The other company be damned, it's not your problem as long as you follow protocol and tell them within the 2 week buffer.

Zeon

Yes, dont assume. Just a story, i used to work with this girl who dreamed of going into publishing. After about 3 years, she got an offer from a publishing company, put in her 2 weeks notice, worked those 2 weeks, said her goodbyes. The monday she showed up at the new office to sign the papers and start working? They told her "Sorry, position is no longer available, we cant afford to hire right now". She didnt have a contract or anything signed, they just verbally told her that she had the job and to come in. And we had already filled her job at our office, so she was shit out of luck.

Never, ever, ever throw away a sure thing unless youve got another absolute sure thing. That is, unless you can afford not to work. A "You got the job for sure!" from someones housekeeper (even if she is your aunt) is no where near a sure thing, especially if you havent even interviewed yet. Until you get an employment contract to sign, you dont have a job.