Jumped on Board Too Soon

[jempage]

Whenever it rains, it pours.

I've been doing the job hunt for the last two months or so, and had mixed success, but yesterday I jumped on board a profit-share production that rehearses next month, and performs immediately afterwards.

Of course, not three hours after saying that I'd come on board, another offer arrives in my inbox for a position next month, with a substantially more attractive financial incentive, shall we say. I'd like to say that I do it for the love, not the money, but we all know that's not exactly true.

Just wondering if anyone here on SMN has been in the potentially awkward position of wanting to back out of a production only the day after saying you'd sign on? (Should point out that nothings been signed here, only word of mouth.) Do I send off an application to job #2 and see what happens? If job #2 pays off, what's the etiquette for letting job #1 know it's not going to happen?

Sincerely,
confused

[dallas10086]

I'm assuming here that job #2 is an offer, not the chance of an offer (it's unclear in your post). In which case there's nothing awkward about it, it's business. Point blank - you didn't sign anything, therefore it isn't official. You don't even have to explain why you have to back out other than a generalization of 'another opportunity better suited to my personal goals arose' etc etc. It's only a day out so you're not leaving them in the lurch, and you can be prepared with a short list of other stage managers suited for the position.

[MatthewShiner]

and even if you "Signed" something there are almost always "outs" written into contracts.

[missliz]

I'm confused, have you been offered Job #2, or are you thinking of applying for it?

[On_Headset]

There's nothing illegal or immoral or unethical about backing down from a job under those circumstances. (Less than 48 hours after having accepted the offer, the production won't be endangered due to your absence [lots of time to replace you, you were never integral to the project, etc.], and "I need to make rent this month" is a sensible and fair and understandable reason, especially in this economy.)

Don't do it too often or you'll get a reputation for being a flake, but if you graciously bow out at this stage, you're doing the right thing. (Bonus points will be awarded for recommending or plugging a replacement, with the understanding that it's not your choice to make--so don't promise someone the job!)
 
If we've all misunderstood you and you don't yet have another actual offer lined up, then things are more complicated.