Dilemma.

Anonymous

September 20,2021 at 3:53PM UTC

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Dilemma. I know the right thing to do but I'm afraid.

I have a job offer and am waiting for a better offer from another company. How bad is it to accept and then change my mind if the better one comes along?

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AnonymousSeptember 20,2021 at 4:38PM UTC
Not bad at all. You need to take care of you.
Heather CutlerSeptember 20,2021 at 5:12PM UTC
If the better offer presents itself, be swift in giving notice to the first employer. Don't mince words and let them know ASAP so they can begin to recruit for the position again. Best of luck, this is a good dilemma to have!
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterSeptember 20,2021 at 5:38PM UTC
Ideally, you can navigate this without having to accept, then rescind. I'm assuming there is a specific company you are waiting to hear from - not just the hope of a better offer? Have you reached out to the other company to let them know you have another offer in hand? This forces the other company to either let you know you are no longer in the running - or speed things up to get you. Best wishes!
Lauren Springer (she/her/hers)September 20,2021 at 6:12PM UTC
Hi "Dilemma" - this is a great question and a situation that I imagine many people find themselves in during this time.
You should do what's best for YOU.
Timing a multi-offer job search is tough and if the decision making processes don't line up perfectly, that's not your fault.
Assuming you actually want job #1, take it. If job #2 comes in with a better offer OR you want that job more, take it. Give your notice to job #1 ASAP and be prepared to see some upset people but know that they will have your backfill posted within minutes of you giving notice, so do not sweat it. Smile knowing that you got the job you wanted.
Good luck!
Healthcare workerSeptember 20,2021 at 7:15PM UTC
Contact the company you are waiting on and inquire where they are in the offer process. Let them know you just received an offer but would prefer to be with them pending the compensation package. Don’t worry it’s a perfectly acceptable practice. For the company who made the offer ask for a day or two to review the offer and let them know you will contact them in that time.
FGB userSeptember 20,2021 at 11:02PM UTC
Do what's best for you.
Karen WagnerSeptember 21,2021 at 6:33AM UTC
It’s you’re choice, you do what you feel is in your best interest!!
No employer is going to give you the same respect that you give yourself, go for it!!!
Jackie GhedineSeptember 21,2021 at 12:51PM UTC
How far along are you with the other company? Did they provide you with an ETA on when they will make a final decision?
As a career coach, I encourage candidates to be honest with both organizations. "I'm in the final stages with another organization too and I owe it to myself and to you to see it throught. I will have my decision in a week."
I would also communicate with the company you are waiting on, "I want to let you know I received another offer. Do you know when you will be making a final offer?"
If neither of those works, here's the reality, loyalty is only one way. Organizations wouldn't hesitate to cut your position, undervalue your worth or re-org you right out if they needed to. Look out for yourself, just do so with respect and honesty. This is your career journey, you decide which path to take and you don't owe anyone anything else!