I resigned my job and then asked to stay. I was told yes and then no.

I resigned from my job but reconsidered and was told I could rescind my resignation by my boss. I submitted a letter saying that I wanted to rescind the resignation. My boss informed everyone I was staying and then told me the President said he wouldn't approve it. Do I have any recourse?

Probably not. Once you resign, the business has a right to assume you're serious and react however they want.

In a tight economy, a resignation can sometimes be good news to upper management. They can lighten the payroll without the effect a layoff would have on their unemp[loyment insurance rate.

From my experience as an employer, I would say no. Written notice is legally binding... unless you can prove you were coerced or want a costly legal fight if you can even find an attorney who'd take the case.

Of course, I don't know you or your situation, but I would imagine an employer put in that position would either be thinking like Rob suggested, or that they don't want the company to invest any resources in an employee who isn't committed to being there and is probably job hunting.

It's always better to have something else lined up before you quit, but... now given your position, maybe try to think about what lead you to resign in the first place, trust/find that there was something valid in that decision, and start your job search NOW. No use in beating yourself up or playing woulda/shoulda/coulda....

Gook luck with everything.