Well, I'm not a fan of these kind of things but I accepted an offer a week ago with company A. I signed the contract and I'm supposed to start in a few weeks from now. Problem, I just got an offer from company B, which I prefer and would like to go ahead and accept the offer.<p>How would you handle this situation?
Of course you can. It's kind of a dick move, but your ultimate responsibility is to yourself and your career.<p>I would handle it diplomatically but firmly, and stress to Company A that it has nothing to do with them, and that you'd love to maintain a relationship despite the awkward position you've put them in.
It's a small world.<p>Your hiring manager, the people you interviewed with (6-8 people probably?), and some of the management at company A will know you rescinded your signed offer.<p>What are the chances that one of those folks ends up working a company with a job you're applying for 4 or 5 years from now when your application comes through?
Is the contract "at-will"? If so, you can just quit before you start.<p>If you want to be a little nicer about it, say that you have a competing offer and if they don't match walk.<p>You don't owe them anything.