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Two months ago I signed a contract to teach in Russia starting in July. I just recently received my invitation and am ready to begin the Visa process, but now I've been offered a dream job that I've been trying to get for several years that will pay me more money than I've ever made in my life and I don't know what to do. I know backing out of my contract would be a lame move, but would it be understandable in this case? Has anyone had anything like this happen and what did you do?

Just wondering how binding that contract that you signed was, both legally and morally. You say you signed it two months ago but only recently received an invitation. I don't know how things work in Russia, but seems to me strange to have a binding contract before receiving an invitation. Also, what happens if hypothetically the Russian govt refuses your visa? So again, how binding was that contract?

(I realize you don't actually say "binding contract", but you imply it by your understandable reluctance to break it.)

I'm not sure how binding it is. There's obviously nothing that can be done legally against me if I have to back out and it won't affect my ability to travel to Russia as a tourist. I guess I just feel bad about how it would affect things on their end. I, too, thought it a bit strange that they would have me sign a contract before the visa process and the uncertainties that come with that but maybe it's a legal requirement in Russia.

If this other job is so good, what's stopping you from going for it?

I told the school I was going to take the offer because it was too good to pass up but they said it's too late. There's no legal reason but because they already drew up my papers and say they won't have time to hire someone else in the next month, I'm stuck with it. Bummer.