Ask HN: Start date is set, but I got another offer. What to do?

You don't join a startup/small business because of the best traditional benefits like a 401k, you join because of the challenge and chance to make a huge impact. You need to figure out what type of environment you are best suited for, a startup or a larger enterprise. They are extremely different, so that is really the decision IMO.

As far as switching after accepting one position, it generally burns a bridge, as would being there for 2 weeks then jumping ship. At the same time, employers have very little loyalty anymore, so if I felt it was right I'd change my mind, but with dignity and honesty to the parties involved. e.g. I wouldn't do it without being up front. Your reason can be as simple as you thought it over and felt that the small/startup business wouldn't be the right environment for you personally at this time and it wouldn't be fair to them either if you wound up only being there for a few months, so you have decided to continue your search... Or something along those lines.

don't do b), that's the worst option if the second offer falls through.

Have you signed the papers with A? If you have, might want to check the consequences of leaving early or is there a probation period of 1-2 months where you and company A have the right to terminate the employment within 24 hours? If yes, then I'd say take (a) in case B does make you a real offer after the background checks :)

IMHO you should pick "c. Commit to Company A."

1. You have made a committment to Company A, honor it.

2. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Company A has come through for you with an offer. That is big. Company B is "conditional on various background checks" - my spidy sense is making me itch all over.

3. A small company is much less likely to care about your "checkered" past.

4. You aren't working for the hiring manager (I assume), so it doesn't matter how awesome he/she is. Salesmen are always awesome until they close the sale.

Perhaps you could request a 1 or 2 week deferral of your start date at A, citing last-minute personal reasons. Such a thing would not be unheard of, and that way you neither do anything dishonourable* (as long as you don't lie) nor close any options prematurely.

* Well to be fair, assuming your pending employment is at-will, there's nothing actually wrong with quitting immediately after your start (after all, maybe you simply won't like it there); it's a just a bit inconsiderate toward A to start if you don't really believe you're committed to it yet.

I think at this stage in the game you owe it to Company A and yourself to pick option C. It's not worth burning bridges, especially in technology, where you never know who you are going to work with next. You made the commitment now stick it out for a minimum of 6 months. If you aren't satisfied with your growth at that point then go and look for other jobs.

In the future, I would recommend not accepting an offer if you have any decisions for other jobs still pending. Once you get the other offer you should be transparent about your situation. It may give you a little bit more leverage for negotiation, or the company might say now or never, but you won't be any worse off for doing so.

Just my 2 cents.

Some companies let you start even though the background check hasn't completed. Meaning there's a possibility company B could let you go even a week after you started, the minute they find out about your past and it's conflicting with company policy.

d. Start at A. Tell B you need a few weeks to consider. Assuming everything is ok at A for a few weeks, turn down B.

Reasoning: Company A hired you after only a 40 minute phone interview. Wait to make sure you indeed can start that job, that you get paychecks, and that there are no surprises.