Was I wrong to do this to my past employer?

I just moved back home from Las Vegas a week ago and had accepted a job at my old company prior to my return (which was to start today, Monday). I felt ok about this job, it pays well but I would really like to make a move with my career in another direction. Last Friday I went on an interview with a great company and this would take me in the direction I want to go with my career. They would not have a decision until early next week thus I had to make a decision if I wanted to go to work on Monday and potentially quit if was offered the job OR tell my boss I was not moving forward. I called my boss Saturday (we are friends as well) and let him know the situation. He was less than pleased (telling me I had "hosed" him, he was pissed and I could never work there again). I decided not to move forward.
Another old company of mine has offered me a job if nothing works out thus $ is not an issue.
Was it horribly wrong what I did to my boss even if I might make a better move for myself?

i dont think you did anything wrong at all. Its not like you just didnt go. you were asking for an opinion and i think that he should have taken into account that you had just moved back and wernt sure what was going to be happening. as your employer i can sort of see why he would be less then thrilled, but as your friend he should be happy that you found something that will help you. i would say that you should not work at this company because you will feel guilty and like you have to be there forever. i would say, move forward, and if that doesnt work out, work with your other friend while you are still searching. at least you have a back up!

It wasn't very considerate of you. It would seem obvious that your friend & boss was needing an employee. He thought you were coming back. He may have lost opportunities to fill the position with another qualified person after holding the job for you. I think you burned that bridge now and lost a friend as a bonus.

There wasn't anything wrong in your approach and you have not done something very new. Your boss should have been more assertive.

I don't think so. He is acting like a primadonna, I think. You did the right thing by telling and not hiding it from him. You gave him plenty of notice, so that he could find a replacement, if need be. He probably knows people or interviewed other applicants already, so what is his problem? It's not like he has to train you and lose you, you already know the job.

Work is business, you do not owe your employer to stay with him forever. It's not a marriage. I think you should have told him to stuff it, and gone for the other opportunity. He'll probably turn around and disappoint you later, and you'll regret doing this for him.

self satisfaction is vital and there is a place call forward in life. you cannot please others at your own expense. discuss this move with your boss personally and make him see reasons and if possible apologise to him.

you need to be true to your self if his your friend he should understand

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN GOOD MOVE FOR ALL IF YOU WERE TRUTHFULL...............