I hated my job and was so excited to start a new career in customer service at a little company close to my home. This is in Michigan. When I interviewed they asked if I had any skeletons in my closet, and I responded with, “none that I'd like to discuss at this moment.” The interview was almost 2 hours long, the boss really liked me. She wanted me to start immediately, but I said I couldn't. I would have to complete my 2 weeks notice, and wouldn't be able to start for another week or so.
They gave me an official offer, which I signed and returned. They set me up with payroll and kept asking me to start immediately. I once again said I'm sorry, I'm incredibly unhappy with my current job but I'm not comfortable just leaving. I wanted to show them, no matter how unhappy I am with my duties, I will never abandon any company, and will always leave notice.
I am an addict and I recently moved to get a fresh start. I'm lucky enough to have never been convicted with a felony, or a drug charge. I do however have a misdemeanor larceny charge from 4 years ago. My boyfriend at the time gave me his credit card to use. He found out I was using again and asked for it to be returned. I did return it, but not before charging 300$ worth of gas and snacks and clothes. Despicable, I know. I was a mess and I hurt a lot of people who loved me. I know I deserved the larceny charge, and I'm not defending it.
My last day was Friday at my old job. My ex boss was clearly upset that I was leaving, and made sure to tell me I always have employment with them if I need. She was thankful I finished my 2 weeks and I am too. Now I have a backup if it comes to that.
I got home and received a phone call from the staffing agency that my background check came in and the new company will be recinding their offer. The fact that i have a misdemeanor larceny charge is a liability for their company, and they cannot hire me anymore.
I'm so angry with myself but I also don't know if I would have done anything differently. Am I supposed to tell them about that? Was I in the wrong? I know moving forward maybe I should have just been honest in the first place but I was scared. Would they have even granted me an interview in the first place? The staffing agent said, “well now we will never know.” And I hung up.
They were pushing me to quit immediately, what if I'd done what they wanted? Would they have fired me anyway and then I'd have no job to go back to? I guess it's not my place to blame them for my error. However is it custom to explain everything in my background?
They didn't do the background check immediately because they liked me. They liked everything about me until they found out about my past, instead of me coming forward with it.
So today I'm applying everywhere and doing my best to stay positive. Moving forward, am I supposed to notify them of my charge first? How should I go about doing this in a way that doesn't make me seem terrible? Because I'm a great worker, with good references, and multiple skills. I've been sober for 2 years and I wish I could leave this all behind.