Offer rescinded. Feels like a punch to the gut.

Interviewed with a local unicorn SaaS startup. They're pretty well known for their offering. Finished the interview strong and negotiated for the higher band of the salary bracket. Got an offer letter that showed position, salary details, joining date and signed it digitally. Asked HR for offer terms, benefits, etc, and was told not to worry, that her word means something. Was told they always honored their offers which I naively believed. Put in my resignation (3 month notice in Bangalore), spend nights and weekends learning skills to be used in the new role.

I stopped interviewing because I'm happy with the company and the role I was offered. Couple of months pass. My replacement is being interviewed to take over after my exit at my current company. Now the HR comes back and says they have decided to cut back on the hiring for the team I was going to and are rescinding the offers. Felt like a punch to the gut. I was suggested to go back to my current company or proceed with any other offer, except I don't have any because I was an idiot to believe their lies. A request for a call with the management team to understand the rationale is taking multiple days because their team is "too busy". I am left stranded here, imagine the uncertainty I am having to deal with, with no offer in hand and doubting if I my resignation will be taken back.

I have a good reputation at my current employer, something that took years to build. I was considered for an international assignment and a promotion, but growth is slow here. Luckily, I haven't burnt my bridges. I asked for withdrawing my resignation but because of this fiasco, my manager honestly told me I'd be considered a "flight risk" and good opportunities will be rarer than before and maybe passed over. All the hardwork of multiple years down the drain, feel distressed and drained. Having sleepless episodes.

Lesson to self: Never believe HR and keep interviewing. Ethics over everything else.