So I'm potentially in an awkward situation and wanted some input.

I recently accepted a job which starts soon. There was another job I was more interested in than the one that I took, but the line from them was slow and I thought they had essentially dropped me as a candidate. Turns out they were just slow and want to interview me this week and I'm fairly confident that I could get the job. Problem is that they'll probably be getting back to me after I've already started the first job.

Job 1 is the one I've taken. It pays ~4-5k less (not including benefits, but the benefits package is not bad) than Job 2 but seems to have a greater potential for advancement, though I'm not sure how quickly I could advance to make up the extra cash. Very close to apartment.

Job 2 is the interview. Pays more, will probably have some government benefits as well. Not as much opportunity for advancement but is in a field I'm more interested in. Probably less money in the longterm, though it's possible to use this job to get more experience and eventually more pay in the industry. Would have to drive to Durham from Raleigh every day.

Anyone have any good advice? I'd hate to renig on the company I've already told yes to but the money seems nicer. Should I give job 1 a few weeks even if they offer the job to me for #2?

11/28/2007 10:02:38 AM

Do what you think is best for you in the long run.

11/28/2007 10:20:05 AM

always atleast go to the other interview, then make your decision

11/28/2007 10:28:01 AM

Quote :

"Do what you think is best for you in the long run."

Working job1 for a few weeks while trying to get job2 is probably what I'd do. I mean, it's not like job1 is gonna call job2 and be like OMG HE USED US FOR A PAYCHECK!1!! Ultimately though, pick the one that is best for your long term goals.

11/28/2007 10:29:01 AM

Yea, I am going to the other interview and I'm pretty sure I'll get an offer, that's not the issue.


The issue is taking something so soon after accepting one position. Also long term earning potential vs. doing something I like more.

11/28/2007 10:29:19 AM

I think you should let your bf decide for you

11/28/2007 10:38:51 AM

Quote :

"I think you should let your bf decide for you"

uh? i'm not gay.

11/28/2007 10:41:09 AM

Heck, you might be able to leverage Job 1 for some additional compensation if Job 2 looks like they want to hire you and give you better pay and benefits. Basically have the two companies compete for you if they want you to work for them bad enough.

11/28/2007 11:12:13 AM

dont burn any bridges, but look out for #1

11/28/2007 4:05:53 PM

yea, i think since the first month of job 1 is training then it won't hurt them as much if i leave fairly soon after starting. not that i will, i'm really torn about this one

11/28/2007 4:07:28 PM

there have been a shit ton of job advice threads lately.

11/28/2007 6:14:07 PM

Start job 1 and see how you like it, then when it is time to start job 2 call in sick to job 1 and see how you like job 2.

11/28/2007 6:23:10 PM

^ X5

Use your current Job 1, as a negotiating tool to get a higher offer from Job 2. That may or may not make your decision easier.

11/29/2007 2:38:26 AM

I'd wait until you have an offer from the second job then tell the first job that you don't think its a good fit for you. But I'd like to say that I'm telling on you!

11/29/2007 3:15:02 AM

So I took the 2nd job after going to the first few days of training for the first one and deciding it definitely wasn't for me.


The drive from raleigh to durham will suck but I think I'll be much happier/better off with this job.

12/7/2007 8:47:06 AM

SkankinMonky, you may also want to look at who you report to in job 1 vs job 2. When deciding on an offer, reporting relationships are important. I'm considered entry-level, but I report to a Director and get a lot more visibility at my current job (meetings with other Directors/Execs). Other jobs I was considering would of been reporting to a mid-level mgr or a PM.

Also the higher your report is the lower the barrier is to promotions b/c their scope is a lot bigger and can promote you to more places than a mid-level mgr.

12/7/2007 10:43:31 AM

job 1 basically said that there was no mobility (read: decent pay raises) for at least 2 years, even then after that you have to make lateral moves before you move up. job 2 seems a lot less intense and more friendly. job 2 just seems overall better in almost every field possible so i'm glad i made the choice i did.

12/7/2007 12:15:23 PM