Playing Two Halves Against The Other?

[Sistermadly]

Today I had a phone interview for a job that I really want. I think I'm definitely in the running for the job -- the agency will make a decision late tomorrow and notify the selected candidate early next week. The upside is I'd be making $ immediately after graduation; the downside is I'd have to move 2 hours away, and MisterMadly would have to quit his job and try to find a new one.

I applied for a few other jobs in town, one of which I think I have a really good shot for, even though they haven't started putting together the shortlist. This other job would pay more $$, and MisterM. and I wouldn't have to move to a different town if it were offered to me. The problem is that they won't start interviewing candidates for a couple of weeks, at least.

What do you do if you've applied for two jobs at once and you think you have a good shot at both of them, but one position will be offered before the other one even starts interviewing? Is it bad form/professional suicide to accept a job but then turn it down if something better comes along?

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
Is it bad form/professional suicide to accept a job but then turn it down if something better comes along?

Yes it is. As I've said before, you don't want to burn any bridges because you don't know when you might meet up with that person again.

You need to decide whether it's worth the gamble that you'll get the second job and make a choice.

Sorry.

[Sistermadly]

So.. it would be wrong of me to ask for a little more time in making my decision (especially since it would involve relocation) -- without telling them the real reason why I'm stalling?

[DeltAlum]

Asking for more time is different than taking a job and then quitting if you get a second one. However, I would be surprized if any prospective employer who tenders an offer will wait two weeks.

Sorry, I think you're going to have to either make a committment or take a chance on the next job.

[Sistermadly]

Thanks DA. Like usual, you came through with solid advice. I guess I'm just conflicted because not only would I be uprooting my life and routine, I would be asking MisterMadly to make some pretty tremendous changes as well. I know that when you're married it's for better or worse, but when there are two lives hanging in the balance, it's not wise to make a decision like this one lightly.

[DeltAlum]

Sorry, I haven't checked this thread in nearly a week.

It is tough to relocate. I speak as the voice of experience. In our first seven years of marriage, we lived in Columbus, Toledo, Baltimore, Milwaukee and Detroit.

Fortunately, we've been in Denver over twenty years now and have finally grown some roots.

Before we were married, we had a long and frank discussion about how how migrant the broadcasting industry could be, so it wasn't a surprize to Mrs. DA.

I once hired a guy from Fresno to be a TV director here in Denver. His wife was an insurance company executive in Fresno. She was able to get a comparable job here. Several years later, she was offered a big promotion if she would move to Sacramento. That time, he left his job to follow hers. It took him a while, but he did find a good TV production job in Sacto.

These aren't easy decisions, but I think tht sometimes a couple has to come to grips with what each job will mean to them as a unit as opposed to personally.

Moving can be a pain or an adventure or both, but sometimes it is absolutely necessary in order to establish or perpetuate a career.

Good luck.

[DigitalAngel126]

So, what happened?!

[Sistermadly]

Oh, I took the second job months ago. I've been working there for almost 4 months now.

[DigitalAngel126]

Oh, cool!