Two Possible Offers

So to give a little back story on where I am right now, have been looking to make a leap into a full security position instead of the jack of all trades plus whatever security is thrown my way position I have now. Have been looking casually for a couple of months, and just in the last few weeks have started to get serious about moving on.

I have two really solid options that are being presented to me: One is a decent sized company that has spread the security functions over the IT department but is now needing someone to take over in a more full time capacity to focus solely on their security needs. The second is long term contract position for a power company doing full infrastructure asset inventory and then developing a work plan to re-mediate anything that doesn't meet compliance standards.

The first is a full time direct hire, benefits, PTO, etc. The second is long term 36 month contract with possibility of hire but no PTO/benefits. Pay is similar on both positions, so that's not much of a consideration. The second however has a good bit of day travel to various sites, while the first allows telecommuting and a parking pass for the garage.

Obviously the first position is the better bet in my mind, however I am not 100% on either at this point. The first, I have a third interview with the rest of the team next week, with a decision being made the following week. The second, a skype second interview tomorrow with assurances from the recruiter that this is only a formality.

My dilemma is this, the second job from what I understand is going to want an answer very quickly, in the 1-2 day range. That would mean giving them a firm decision before i've had the chance to do my third interview with the spot that I really want. Do I go ahead and accept the second job if offered? Do I ask them for a few days so I can do the interview with the first job? I don't want to run the risk of not getting the first job and losing out on the second by asking for a few days, but I also don't want to take the second job and then get an offer on the first and have to backtrack for the second job.

Sorry if this doesn't make a lot of sense, just needed to get it out and see if anyone has been in a similar spot.

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Comments

NotHackingYou

That's a tough one for sure. I have worked at a few places where someone accepted an offer to come on board and then not long after rescinded their acceptance for another offer, so it does happen.

Russell77

I think a 36 month contract is just a way to take advantage of you. I can understand 3-6 month contracts. Or a year if you are working on a specific project. it's not like the power company is going to run out of money soon. They should bring you on full time if they want you for 3 years. They could always lay you off later but in my opinion it's not a good option if you have others.

tstrip007

If I were you I would take the gamble and hold out for job number one, the one you want. Asking job number 2 for time to think. The worst that could happen is you still have a job. With your credentials, I am sure another opportunity would pop up if number one doesnt fall through. Also, what if your current employer doesnt want you to leave and will give you whatever you want?

networker050184

I'd pass on the contract personally. Especially if they are trying to rush you into a decision.

coreyb80

36 month contract is a long time to go without benefits and even moreso a pay raise.

iBrokeIT

I would pass on the contract and go all in on the full time opportunity you want since you still have a full time job right now to fall back on

kohr-ah

I say pass on the contract. Do the perm and if any reason if you dont get it keep looking but at least you are still working and reaching towards that goal.

If I have learned anything so far it is I will never leave a perm role for a contract/contract-to-hire role again. I will only go from perm to perm from here on out.