What if I accept an offer and then regret it?

It's usually OK to back out as long as you haven't signed your contract. Let the company know about your change of heart, ideally in writing, and apologize for the inconvenience.

If you've already started/signed your contract, things might be more complicated but you should be able to figure something out by talking to the company. In Germany, where I'm from, you can resign from your position even before starting but the resignation will only be valid after the notice period stated in your contract. It's probably similar in other countries.

Whatever way to choose, be professional and respectful in your communication!

It’s not ideal to back out after accepting an offer, but it’s also not unheard of ‒ things change, and banks know this happens.

Hi there, 

don't worry as this happens more often than you’d think. ? 

I’ve seen candidates accept offers and then realize later it’s not the right fit, whether because of a better opportunity or just second thoughts. Backing out isn’t ideal, but it’s not the end of the world either. If you’re really set on leaving, the earlier you do it, the better. Just be professional, thank them, be honest but brief, and don’t burn bridges. 

If you’re jumping to another firm in the same space (especially within IB), be mindful of reputational risks. But if it’s truly the wrong move for you, long-term career fit matters more than short-term awkwardness. 

I wish you much success and hope you'll make the right decisions.

If you accept a job offer at a bank and later regret it, backing out is possible but should be handled carefully to minimize professional fallout. Reneging on an accepted offer can burn bridges with the employer and potentially harm your reputation, especially in a tight-knit industry like banking, where recruiters and hiring managers may share information. The severity depends on timing—backing out early, before significant onboarding resources are spent, is less damaging than withdrawing after starting or close to the start date. Your options include promptly and professionally communicating your decision to the employer, citing a change in personal circumstances or career goals, and apologizing sincerely to maintain goodwill. Alternatively, if you’ve already started, you could explore the role briefly to confirm your feelings before resigning respectfully, ensuring you fulfill any contractual obligations like notice periods. To mitigate risks, thoroughly evaluate offers before accepting, and consider negotiating start dates or seeking advice from mentors to align your decision with long-term goals.

I agree with the other answers. Changing your mind isn’t ideal, but it’s not uncommon either. The key is to communicate early, professionally, and respectfully as firms prefer clarity over last-minute surprises. And as Natalie said, long-term career fit is what really matters. 

Wishing you the best in making the right choice!