in a tough spot, in a good way...maybe?

[Guest nysos]

So I interviewed a couple weeks ago at a place for a really good position. Growing company, good benefits, REALLY close to my house, great pay compared to what I am making now. I got edged out by another guy for the position just barely though. The manager actually had told his boss to hire us both while they could, the only reason they didn't is they have some contracts up for renewal in October. If those contracts didn't renew then they would have had to lay one of us off.

Instead they made the decision to hire 1, and have been notified if the contracts get renewed in October that I will be offered a position.

Now the downfall, that is in October...I also have an interview this afternoon at a really good company (fortune 500). Plenty of room for growth, and some friends of my family that have positions there absolutely love the company. The bad part is it is a contract position for 1 year, but they want the position to grow into something else permanent down the road. Per my recruiter, that is just how this company does things and every person they have matched up with their company has ended up with a permanent position after their contract. The same was true for my old neighbor, he started off on contract and got a position.

So I will be in a really tough spot if I get offered a position at this second company. The contract pay isn't close to what the first company's pay is, but there is a lot more room for growth down the road due to the size of the company. The first company's pay would be much better, still room for growth, but the position is a sure shot IF the contracts renew.

What do you all think? I am hoping the company I interview with this afternoon will be doing interviews for another week or so, plus some time figuring out who they like. Their company may do 2 rounds of interviews, as most large company's have multiple steps before finally receiving an offer. If that process drags out long enough, I might be able to have 2 offers to choose from.

[peejman]

If job #2 is a contract job, you should be able to bail with no obligations should company #1 offer you a permanent position. Look into the contract requirements to verify that. The job offer from company #1 could also be a little leverage with company #2.

[Guest nysos]

If job #2 is a contract job, you should be able to bail with no obligations should company #1 offer you a permanent position. Look into the contract requirements to verify that. The job offer from company #1 could also be a little leverage with company #2.

Good info. I have never done any contract positions, so I will make sure I get their contract requirements and obligations in writing to go over with a fine tooth comb.

[peejman]

We had a contract guy here do exactly that. He got an offer for a permanent position elsewhere about 3 weeks into his stint here. He was gone the next day. We were bummed as he seemed quite knowledgeable, but nothing else we could do.

[MacGyver]

How old are you? Married? Family?

[TripleDigitRide]

If company #2 offers you the position, take it. If, after you take the position, company #1 offers you the position and you still feel it's a better fit, quit company #2 and take the job at company #1.

Remember, it's business; they wouldn't think twice about kicking you to the curb if they wanted/needed to.

[Guest nysos]

How old are you? Married? Family?

Young, mid 20s.

Not married, but do have a girlfriend of going on 3years and she has a son from previous marriage, and I own my own home.

[MacGyver]

Young, mid 20s.

Not married, but do have a girlfriend of going on 3years and she has a son from previous marriage, and I own my own home.

In that case, I would take the job that's offered first, but in case you get more than one offer, go with the one that gives you the most opportunity to grow professionally. During your twenties, you have the unique opportunity to let someone else help you build your expertise, and you're in a position to make some personal sacrifices to do it.

Knowledge and skill will be more valuable to you in the 40+ years of working you have in front of you that anything else.

Go with the one that offers the most room for personal growth and opportunity.

[Lumber_Jack]

If company #2 offers you the position, take it. If, after you take the position, company #1 offers you the position and you still feel it's a better fit, quit company #2 and take the job at company #1.

Remember, it's business; they wouldn't think twice about kicking you to the curb if they wanted/needed to.

+1

I've made the mistake of thinking that because a company hired me that I owed them something. All you owe them is to work as hard as possible while you're there. If there is no employment contract, go with the best opportunity available.

If job #2 is better than your current job, take it, of Job #1 cones along later, take it, if a new opportunity arises, take it.

Of course you don't want to move jobs every 2 mos cause that reputation will follow you, but I am always looking for a better opportunity even when content with my job.

[Guest nysos]

I wholeheartedly agree about keeping an eye out for future opportunities. The position I am interviewing for this afternoon I believe has much more potential for growth down the road, and I may get more insight on the interview at potential opportunities. The easy thing that might happen is I am just not offered this job (not that I want that to happen). Sometimes life has a way of making choices for us.

[LagerHead]

If company #2 offers you the position, take it. If, after you take the position, company #1 offers you the position and you still feel it's a better fit, quit company #2 and take the job at company #1.

Remember, it's business; they wouldn't think twice about kicking you to the curb if they wanted/needed to.

Great advice TDR. You have to do what is best for YOU. The company will always do what is best for THEM. And if cutting you the day after you turn down the better offer is best for them you can bet they will do it.

If it does work out that way make sure you don't burn any bridges. Apologize and explain you just can't turn it down. Most folks have been in similar positions and will understand.

[Guest nysos]

If it does work out that way make sure you don't burn any bridges. Apologize and explain you just can't turn it down. Most folks have been in similar positions and will understand.

That is the most important thing, as I don't want to burn any bridges. There is a small number of really big companies that have corporate HQs in Knoxville, and come 5-10 years from now I may end up going after a job with them again. This is why I think it was sound advice to look at the details of their contract. One benefit I believe is at least I am going through a recruiter, and they have working relationships with most of these companies and might be able to handle the transition for me.

[peejman]

Great advice TDR. You have to do what is best for YOU. The company will always do what is best for THEM. And if cutting you the day after you turn down the better offer is best for them you can bet they will do it.

If it does work out that way make sure you don't burn any bridges. Apologize and explain you just can't turn it down. Most folks have been in similar positions and will understand.

This.

Don't burn any bridges but neither expect nor give any undue loyalty. Heard the saying "there's no honor among thieves?" Experience has taught me it applies directly to the vast majority of the corporate world.

[Guest nysos]

Looks like I have made my decision. The company I interviewed with today, although has lots of room for growth - is in a different type of department than I expected and only utilizes a small skill set of what I posess. The position would be good added to experience, but not necessarily my direct career path that I have been planning. I feel that although it might be a good job, if I went down that road, it would be harder to break out of it if I wanted to get back to doing the stuff I am right now.

That being said, I found out more details about Company #1 - and that the contract renewal is almost for certain, but they wanted to play things safe since I currently have a stable position at a company. So I will be waiting a month and hope that freak Mr. Murphy and his law don't kick in and cause a ruckas for their contract renewals.

I will still wait to see if I get an offer from the company I interviewed with today and explore the possibilities, but how it stands right now I am unsure if that is the route I want to take.