Making a choice between offers
Most of the respondents suggested it was time I look elsewhere, so I have. Right now there are two companies I am seriously considering.
Both companies are partners of my current company, meaning that I would still be able to interact with the people I work with now. That's good. Both will allow me to work virtual without a lot of travel. Not GREAT, because I like the interaction with people, but then again the relative freedom will be nice. Both are well-known companies and one is even in the "top XX to work for" category.
It sounds like I am bragging but I am not. I worked hard to build the relationships which helped me get to this point and I am very grateful to be here - some of it's work, but most is luck. I went two years without working and I know how hard it is. I just learned that networking DOES work.
So anyway "the XXX best company", after months of discussions, is putting together an offer. It's more than I make now, but not a lot. The benefits are pretty good. But I really don't know the other people well, only by repute. The second company, who just got the headcount (after I told them months ago I wanted to join them) is just completing a merger...we know what that can mean. But I know the people there and the salary range is about the same.
My brain says the former opportunity is the smart choice...but it's a little scary unknown. My comfort level says go for the latter (I am interviewing with 5 people this week and they know I have an offer, so movement will be quick if they still want me).
Is there really a wrong decision? And since both companies know I have offers (not with who, but they are competitors), how guilty do I need to feel when I turn one down? And what's the best way to do that while keeping the door open in case I make a boneheaded choice and pick the wrong route?
Just for the record, I have worked over the last 30 years for a grand total of THREE companies. I realize that's unusual these days, but I don't take moving lightly particularly since I know the older I get the harder it may become to convince someone I won't OD on Geritol just before my daily nap behind my PC....
Thanks for any advice!
I worked for my first employer for more than 20 years, and since then I've had more than 20 jobs (including temp assignments). Having been through one "merger", and seeing several others, I would strongly advise you to not go with that company.
Step out of your comfort zone and grow! Try the new job, and put 100% of your effort into your new job and 0% into worrying that you might have made a mistake. Yes, it's scary, but once you do it, you'll have one less thing to be afraid of.
A couple of years ago, I was pondering making a huge change in my life, and was stuck in the land of "what if it's the wrong choice?". I got a little bookmark from a charity that I donate to, and the saying was something from the bible that said "The Lord commands you to be brave (or unafraid, or something like that)". I decided that if God gave me courage, I should use it and went ahead and made the change. It hasn't been all rosy, but I'm not afraid to make changes in my life any more.
Good Luck! Let us know what you decide to do.
WB
I remember your prior post, and I'm so glad things worked out for you! Congrats! You ask several very good questions here, and I thought I'd put in my $.02 worth.
First of all, whatever you do, NO GUILT. Do you think either of these hiring managers would feel guilty if they had decided not to make you an offer? Why should you feel guilty for not taking one? Clearly if they both know you have other offers, they both know you might turn them down. Don't give it a second thought.
Personally, I'd take the job that's slightly outside your comfort level. I'm impressed with those "best place to work" surveys (depending on where the survey came from. "Guns & Ammo Magazine"? No thanks.) Also, since the other firm is going through a merger, you never can tell where the chips may fall. But, really, I don't think there is a wrong choice here. Both sound like comparable offers, so in the end, go with your gut.
Lastly, as to how to turn one down without burning bridges, that should be easy for you. Clearly you're a good communicator (at least your posts are clear, to the point, and well-worded - which is a good sign). Once you accept one offer (and you KNOW that it's a done deal), I would personally call the person who extended the offer to you at the other firm, thank them for their time and for the offer, but explain that you've decided to go in a different direction and accept another offer. I would follow up with a letter to this person, mentioning again how glad you are for the opportunity to have interviewed, how wonderful you think the opportunity was, etc., but explaining that you have regretfully decided to accept another offer. Don't lay it on too thick, but make it clear that it was a tough decision (which is true) and that you were happy with the offer (which you were). Hopefully, if you decide later that you don't like the position you've accepted, the hiring manager will remember your eloquent letter and consider making you another offer.
Hope this helps.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I just got the offer from company #1 but I'm not done interviewing with #2. Naturally the first offer expires this week and I don't know if the other company can move that quickly. I was hoping to have another week for the second company to come through so I could compare offers. I don't want to say yes on Friday then withdraw my acceptance on Tuesday....
I will let #2 know what's going on since everyone I've talked to so far has given me the thumbs-up. I only have one more person to speak with and he already knows me.
I think it's a great idea to be very honest and appreciative to the "loser". I even have a candidate in mind for them - someone I work with now who is actually better qualified than me for position #1 if I opt out of that one. He is not in my confidences yet around the situation but he knows I'm looking and so is he.
If anyone has an idea for a stalling tactic around the deadline (more time to think about it doesn't play well when you've been discussion this position for months) I would LOVE to hear them! And FAST!