Two Possible Job Offers

[rasETL]

Here's the scenario

I currently work as a consultant at a Company 180 miles from home. That requires me to stay there during the week, which is hard on the family. I have been working there for 18 months. The work and pay is great.

Recently, they told me my contract would probably not be extended beyond the end of October. However, they have made a formal job offer to become an employee. I have been sitting on it for a week, but they would now like an answer in three days.

Wouldn't you know it, earlier this week I get a call from a Company 20 minutes from home. They have an open position which is the same as the position offered by the other Company. I have a phone interview this afternoon.

Question: if I accept the offer from the Company I am currently working at, which would have me start as an employee October 18th, does that "lock" me in if the other Company also makes me an offer? Legally, I don't think so, but ethically, I'm not sure.

I'd like this job change to be my last change - in other words I'd like to retire from wherever I end up. I'm looking at probably 9-10 years.

The main problem is the travel considerations - my family would not move to the new location for 4 years minimum due to schooling of my kids.

I welcome your thoughts on the matter.

 

[SQLSister]

It is best to never tell your current employer you are seeking new employment unless they already know for business related reasons such as they have already announced the contract is over Oct 1 and that everyone needs to get another job. In fact in those cases, many of the better employers will offer assitance in helping these employees find jobs.

It's not sneaking around unless you are doing it on company time with company resources. Foe instance, you can get fired for searching job sites on the Internet at work in many places or for using their copier or printer to print resumes. If you interview during company hours, then take leave or arrange to be officially gone from the office during that time (if you are salaried, often all you have to do is tell your boss you have to run a personal errand.) I always try to arrange interviews during my lunch time or before my work hours (we get to go to work late here).

Questions about posting. See faq183-874

 

[LFI]

Careful about sneaking in interviews on your lunch break... It is often a clue to your employer that something's up when you come in dressed nicer than everyone else in the office!

--Dave

 

[SQLSister]

I alawys leave my nice clothes in the car and change on the way to the interview. But the dress code here is extremely casual.

Questions about posting. See faq183-874

 

[rasETL]

Update on this ...

I accepted the job offer from the Company I currently am consulting at, and my 1st day as an employee is Monday, October 18th.

So, what happens next - I get a call late yesterday afternoon (10/12) from the local company I had a phone interview with. They want to set up a personal interview for sometime next week. So, it took them 2 weeks and 2 days to respond from the time of the phone interview. They asked if I was available Monday for an interview!!! I thought "Sorry, I will be attending a new employee orientation session". Instead, I told them I was only in town on Fridays, which is the truth. They said they would get back to me about a Friday appointment.

Fun...Fun...Fun

Stay tuned for the next episode...

 

[GoTellBigDaddy]

[q]earlier this week I get a call from a Company 20 minutes from home. They have an open position which is the same as the position offered by the other Company[/q]

Well if you mean that the hiring company is or was subing you out to the local company then be careful. You may be walking on a landmine.

If you just mean the same type of job then you need to remember that the Local company was exercising it's good judgement to interview other potential candidates and yes, 2 weeks and 2 days is normal. Maybe you jumped to fast on the company you signed with and it soundz like they were pressuring you to become an employee since that original time went from "until the end Of OCTOBER" to just 3 days.

So- where does this leave you ?

If the local company is a completely separate job offer and not work sub contracted by your current employeer then there are two points:

1) If you are available during the week, then meet with them. Don't be shy and don't say no or other things....

2) Your current employeer or contract - you can change your mind !!!! They are likely interested in one thing: Saving Money. Soundz like you cost them more as a contractor than as an employee. What's the time pressure all about anyway ?


Letz See... the math...180 miles or 20 miles ??????

If you really like the folks at the local company and the outlook of their staying in business 10 years or longer is good and the pay/benefits is right for you then make an effort to work with them, call them back. Don't play hard to get--- no one is an island.

Happy Hunting