Post # 1
Member
2746 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: October 2014 - Disney
I was laid off 3 weeks ago. I’ve done about 10 interviews, job fairs, put out hundreds of resumes. Last week I was given a contingent offer that is based on contract award. That contract should come in very soon as its due to expire in 4 weeks. They are confident they will win.
Well today I have a message on my phone from a company I talked to last week. It sounds like they’re ready to make an offer. I worry what if this contract fails, however I also dont know about this position. Its basically the same job I had before with a different title its an expense processing job. I was titled an admin assistant before. The company is a good stable company with growth potential, and good benefits, however this department is a wreck. In my interview they told me they had expenses that were missing from 4 years ago. They have several people who have months of expenses not turned in. They want someone who can train expenses and wrangle these problems. I can do that but this company is also 1300 people. I dont like baby sitting, I particularly dont know if I want to take the time to fix a very poorly mannaged system because no one did it before. However I dont want to be unemployed and if this contract doesnt go through my other offer is not valid.
One more issue with this job is that I have some access rights that will not transfer to this company. Those types of things are a big deal in this area costing a lot of money to reup if they drop and there is less and less money available to reinstate these. They are also a form of job security and an ability to move up more easily in the type of work dominating my region. The contingent offer is for a bigger company with better benefits, and they will take those accesses. Its a longer drive but its also a much better job and a huge step up for me. The contract should be awarded any time now but I’m going to have to make a decision rapidly.
Bees what would you do?
Post # 3
Member
11273 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
@dewingedpixie: If you accept the newer offer, you need to be prepared to honor your word and take that job, even if the contractual position later comes through. If you think there is any reason you will not be able to do that, then definitely don’t accept the other offer.
If your gut tells you that you will not be happy long term with the job that seems to have so many challenges and you would only be accepting it out of fear of the contractual position not coming through, then don’t take the “safer” offer. Wait for the contractual position, even though it may not come through. These are not the only two jobs in the world, and it doesn’t make sense — just three weeks after being laid off from your job — to lock yourself into a new job that you have little interest in taking.
If you had not been working for a much longer period of time, and you did not have a contingent offer on the table, I would be responding in a different manner.
Finally, when declining the second company’s offer, you could always explain that you have received a contingent offer for a contractual position that is more in keeping with your current goals and you plan to accept it but that if for any reason your plans should change, and the second company still has not filled the position, you would be interested in further discussions.
Post # 4
Member
2378 posts
Buzzing bee
I’m going to disagree with Brielle here, but you have to understand the consequences. You absolutely can take a job and tell them after you’re hired that something came up and you unfortunately you can no longer work there. Understand that you WILL burn that bridge, and no one in management or HR there will EVER hire you again. But you can absolutely take the safe bet and still be waiting on the one you really want.
Post # 5
Member
3057 posts
Sugar bee
@MariContrary: +1
@dewingedpixie:
I 1000% agree with Mari here. You have to look out for yourself in this world. You absolutely do NOT have to keep the job even if you accept the offer. Yes, you COULD burn a bridge but you also have to remember, people understand if something better comes along, you’re likely going to take it. That’s why many companies try to focus on employee retention. Plus, the first 90 days are usually probationary anyway and they could for any reason decide you’re not working out for them and get rid of you. WHY on EARTH would you give up something better if it becomes avaiable just because you said yes to the one that’s on the table now?
Take the safer one for now and if the contract doesn’t come through, you’re at least employed. If the contract comes through, tell them thank you for the offer but you’ve been offered something that is much better for you.
Post # 6
Member
2746 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: October 2014 - Disney
I spoke to fiance. I failed to omit here these expenses are for things that are then billed to the government. There are strict regulations with this and going on a credit card account for billing them is stupid and wreckless. I’ve corrected so many credit errors its not funny with a company a fraction the size of this. Further more they really arent suposed to be billing without propper paper work aka the receipts and expense report. They cant bill outside of a certain window either. If the fed came to audit them it would be an absolute disaster. Fiance says dont do it. We should be hearing on the other contract within the next week.
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