I finally have two job offers but I have a dilemma!

46 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 2:56PM UTC

   Congrats on getting two offers. I can't even get interviews. I guess this is what happens at almost 40...

2. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 5:04PM UTC

   Thank you and I'm hoping you'll land something too! It took me months, a lot of networking and 60++ rejections but I know you can do it!

3. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 3:39PM UTC

   My first question: Why did you leave previous employer?

   Now that said (and my answer my change depending on your response to that question), I'd go with Offer 1. Offer 2 doesn't sound like much...are you in a position where you could take the gamble that it could extend? And deal with the lower comp and so so insurance and traveling a lot? Seems like a lot to deal with just to have that company name on your resume.

4. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 4:06PM UTC

   For me this is a no brainer, I would do option 1. I personally prefer the flexibility and benefits over work travel. I enjoy being home at night with my family - (I traveled a lot at one time and it got old fast - and that’s while single. I came home to clean the house - do laundry, repack and go back on the road for work. It was exhausting, I got tired of eating out and not getting a restful night sleep at home). For those wondering, it was not a sales role. Work was done onsite at clients vs remote. I had later transitioned most my clients to remote. It was a win win - cheaper for them and more work life balance for me. I’d still visit or perform some of the work onsite but not be gone all week.

   However, what I prefer doesn’t matter. It’s about your needs and preferences. If I were you, I would make a list for each- pros and cons - down to advancement opportunities etc. I’d also make a list of what you need in a job / company and what you want. Then I’d compare the lists of the two offers to your needs vs wants and go with the one that works for you.

5. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 5:03PM UTC

   Aww. Thank you for this advice. I was thinking the same because Option 1 gives me flexibility to spend more time with my family, and my parents who are getting older too. :(

6. joey rosenbergJune 27,2024 at 4:25PM UTC

   Congrats on having this very good problem to solve!

   The right answer entirely depends on your current priorities and future goals.

   It sounds like you are having FOMO on offer #2, but it's only good if your current priorities involve or allow for traveling for work, you have limited insurance needs (or can deal with the offer), and you are comfortable with short term stability AND if your future goals would benefit from the big corporate name.

   Personally, I used to travel 50%+ of the year because my goals included travel, and I loved it. Right now, I have a five year old and two priorities are top: being home most of the time and flexibility. It really depends on the life you want to create in this moment. Don't stress too much about what will or won't come in the future... you never know where life will take you, but there will always be something.

7. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 5:01PM UTC

   Thank you! ???

8. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 4:28PM UTC

   If you value a more permanent employment option choose number 1.

9. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 10:08PM UTC

   That's a no brainer. Option 1. Get employed and keep what you can. The market is not that good. Stability is key. Good luck!

10. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 10:52PM UTC

    Offer 1 is same old same old. Zero growth but a bumb in $

    Offers 2 is cashe but less $ and temporary

    Stay with offer 1, keep looking for something amazing.

11. Michelle LadyJune 27,2024 at 10:53PM UTC

    I assume you were part of a RIF and Offer 1 allows you to go back. How many people were retained to return? It's going to be more work for the same pay, because they let go others that are not coming back. Is the company culture good? Would you want to be there in 5 years? It isn't "easy" going back to a former employer after a RIF.

    Offer 2 - does this help you with long term goals? Might be worth the "chance" if you can afford to take it.

    It really depends on where you are in this stage of life. What is your gut saying, that's the best way to go.

    Good luck!

12. AnonymousJune 28,2024 at 2:43AM UTC

    Besides the compensation and familiarity, what other benefits does the first offer provide? Besides "big name recognition," what are the benefits of the second offer? List the answers to these questions and see how they stack up against each other. For me, all other things being equal, a job with less pay, no promise beyond six months, and so-so benefits is a no-brainer, but you are the only one who can answer that because only you know how much of the previous company's BS you want to continue to take.

13. Jennifer PrymulaJune 28,2024 at 3:03AM UTC

    I'd def go with the stability offered by Job 1- they are showing that they value you as an employee.

    Job 2 is dangling a carrot with no guarantees. You'd be a contract worker NOT an employee plus there is a reason it is only 6 months and not a full time position.

14. Alexis GladstoneJune 28,2024 at 12:14PM UTC

    Only you know what is right for you and your circumstances.

    Offer 2 is a huge risk and in the current job market, I personally don't think I would take it no matter what the growth potential. While offer 1 might feel like you're settling, it's only for the time being and you can still continue to look.

15. AnonymousJune 28,2024 at 12:23PM UTC

    I agree.

16. AnonymousJune 28,2024 at 12:26PM UTC

    Look at your life now and choose what is best for you for a least 1-2 years. Also go with what you feel works best for you and forget about the name of the employer.

17. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachJune 28,2024 at 12:46PM UTC

    What lead to the situation with Offer 1 being a previous employer? Why were you searching-- what is the downside to Offer 1?

    The way you wrote this, Offer 2 doesn't sound great, unless the reward is far greater than Offer 1 would be? Do you want to travel a lot? The "possibility" looms large-- and implies that in six months you may be out of a job? How great is the reward for this risk?

18. AnonymousJune 28,2024 at 12:59PM UTC

    seems like a simple pros and cons to each as it fits into your situation

19. GirlBossanova934974June 28,2024 at 1:22PM UTC

    I am very unclear about Offer #1. "Previous employer who decided to retain me"? Does that mean you resigned and they made a counter offer to keep you from jumping ship? If so, I would take Offer Number 2 as I am not a believer in counter offers . Bigger name companies do look better on a resume. 6 months gives you plenty of time to look elsewhere while you collect a paycheck. There are also transfers that might come along as well.

20. AnonymousJune 28,2024 at 1:58PM UTC

    You have to evaluate where you are in your life and in your career path and how much risk you are willing to take. For me Offer 1 is the better one. I'm assuming you liked the work and didn't hate working with the people you worked with. I'm past being at a point where having a whole lot of uncertainty plus a ton of travel is enticing. Those good names on resume's are only so good and often are probably not as meaningful as it would seem (may vary based on your industry)

21. Deb AllenJune 28,2024 at 1:59PM UTC

    I say go for Offer 2, familiar is easier to accept, but we grow by stretching ourselves. Imagine where Offer 2 vs Offer 1 will put you in 10 years. Good luck.

22. AnonymousJune 28,2024 at 2:06PM UTC

    I’d take 1

23. AnonymousJune 28,2024 at 3:37PM UTC

    From what you are disclosing, offer 1 would be the better offer - hands down.

    However, I feel that you are not telling everything about offer 1. Maybe your heart isn’t all there for 1, or 1 was somewhat of a toxic environment, or there may be some issues with your manager.

    Look at the FULL picture, and then decide. Use the Ben Franklin approach with pros and cons of each (on paper) and that should give you a better perspective.

    One last point - company name recognition is no longer a big thing these days. Companies are looking more at your job function and how it aligns to the position as well as the major contributions made.

    Good luck!

24. AnonymousJune 28,2024 at 5:19PM UTC

    Aww thank you ?? for Offer 1, it definitely offers stability and I know my boss and peers support me. Though it can be challenging, I feel like it is something I can continually manage too. For Offer 2, the main thing is definitely the name.. ⚡

25. Cassie SpencerJune 28,2024 at 6:23PM UTC

    Determine what is most important to you salary, flexibility, adding to your resume, etc. Evaluating your priorities can help make this decision.

26. AnonymousJune 28,2024 at 7:30PM UTC

    Why were you considering leaving your current role to begin with? If this was a matter of you receiving a cold-call and just answering out of curiosity, then stay with your current org! If you were actively in the job market and seeking a new role - look at the reasons why you were looking. I have seen a lot of instances where people get a counter offer to stay in their current role but the salary increase didn't resolve the other reasons they wanted to leave (ex: leadership, poor work/life balance, culture, etc.) It sounds like you should still accept offer 1 and keep looking for another opportunity that is more comparable to your current salary/benefits/commute.

27. Ms. S.June 28,2024 at 11:04PM UTC

    Offer 1 if you prefer not to travel.

28. AnonymousJune 29,2024 at 2:05PM UTC

    Keep talking to both companies. You have all cards in your hands. Try to negotiate less travel and possibility of zoom meetings ( yes that much travel required is a biggie) and what conditions would make it worth the downsides of the potential transition to the big name company. Coming back to your old company is sure thing with many advantages minus the fact that they could furlough you again. If they’ve done it before.

29. helloJune 29,2024 at 6:26PM UTC

    1... contract work is stressful and big corporations are often terrible to work for. traveling constantly is super stressful and not a good lifestyle to always be away from home. depends what you're looking for. but i'd say stick with the higher comp and lower stress role. better quality of life and better potential to move up. of course, depends why you left/wanted to leave...

30. Jackie RukaJune 29,2024 at 6:35PM UTC

    Go with the sure bet.

    Contract work can be tricky… and they can sever it after 6 months, sigh

31. Maggie SoldanoJune 29,2024 at 8:29PM UTC

    Just by the descriptions, you seem to have decided on Offer 1.

    But if you feel like you're still on the fence, I recommend pulling a list together of what you want your life to look like — do you want to travel more or spend more time with friends/family? Do you have a financial goal like putting 6 months of expenses in savings for a rainy day, or are you looking to spice things up?

    Bottom line: compare the offers to your personal goals and interests. That might help you decide.

32. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 1:26AM UTC

    1! Contract to perm is iffy, so go with the one that is already perm.

33. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 4:12AM UTC

    It sounds like offer 1 is a permanent offer from a contract position - if that’s the case and you liked working there, I’d take that one (but that’s just me!)

34. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 4:40AM UTC

    Offer 1 sounds better, if its from a contractor, I know contractors like being in new locations, it appears you will be working harder at job 2, and why waste valuable energy as you gotta sell yourself allover again and who knows if they keep you?

35. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 6:04AM UTC

    Stay put. It is a known environment with a stable job. The other is up in the air in 6 months.

36. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 3:45PM UTC

    Job 1

37. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 4:47PM UTC

    These contract jobs are often disappointing and sometimes even bogus. I’d take the first one without a second thought.

38. Tami L CannizzaroJune 30,2024 at 4:49PM UTC

    You may have made your decision by now; giving my thoughts for future reference. "Previous employer" - I read this to mean someone you've worked with before BUT not necessarily your current employer, is that correct?

    Offer 2 sounds like more of a "prestigious" company - for example, if you were an accountant it could be one of the top tier accounting firms, or a company/industry that may appeal to future companies looking to hire you. (I get it; one of my previous companies from years ago is still interesting to many employers, despite the fact it's ancient history on my resume.)

    All that to say: Which job would you be happiest at AND would provide great experience for you when you look for your next opportunity? Because you WILL look for another job at some point.

    If Job 1 is simply more of the same-ol'-same-ol', and it's not adding anything of value besides a paycheck, if you can financially afford it I would consider the riskier Job 2 where I would learn something new.

    My 2 cents.

39. Michel WoolleyJuly 1,2024 at 12:23PM UTC

    personally, i would go with the former employer if you were happy there before. I prefer to have a longer term plan than 6 months. We all have different ideals but i value the known versus the unknown.

40. Daria OrlovaJuly 1,2024 at 12:27PM UTC

    Offer 1

41. AnonymousJuly 1,2024 at 1:34PM UTC

    too many unknowns with offer 2...and unless you can suffer job loss, and higher risk...Take offer 1.

42. Elizabyth HarringtonJuly 1,2024 at 1:36PM UTC

    It actually sounds from your description of both that you’ve already (perhaps unconsciously) decided.

43. AnonymousJuly 1,2024 at 7:24PM UTC

    My suggestion is take offer 1 and keep looking, or at least open to other opportunities. You say they decided to retain you, but what if they have a change again? Good luck whatever happens!!!

44. Lorraine WaltersJuly 1,2024 at 8:50PM UTC

    Take Offer No. 1 lovely. Be blessed.

45. Liz MilneJuly 1,2024 at 10:52PM UTC

    I don't understand the appeal of offer 2, to be honest? All that turmoil and travel for less pay and reduced job security? I'd take offer 1 all day long

46. AnonymousJuly 3,2024 at 4:30PM UTC

    I'll speak from personal experience. I took a 1-year contract role with a good name, massive company. After 6 months, they ended my contract and did layoffs. To this day I'm unable to find work. It's been 1.5 years of unemployment. I recommend you go with option 1.