Jobless and Frustrated NTers check in VOL. WE NOT-WORKIN!!!

Something that heavy, you gotta make sure someone is home before you even unload it. Mfs gotta work smart not hard.
 
Situation I could potentially find myself in between two companies. Not counting my chickens, just seeking some thoughts.

Job A) In the final stages of receiving a job offer from a company a former colleague/friend referred me for. Small company but he’s on their leadership board so he has pull. When he first contacted me about the opportunity I said I’d accept an offer if they met my salary requirements and it sounds like all things are a go.

Job B) Contacted me a few days after my friend did requesting an interview. Applied months ago and honestly forgot about it. Its notoriously hard to make it past the initial screening to get an interview request. First round panel style interview that I feel pretty good about. It’ll take weeks to hear if I made it to the second round. Even after that the hiring process and background check will take a couple months.

All things being equal I would much prefer Job B. Same work with better benefits and greater stability. The conflict is that it sounds like my friend has been putting in a lot of work to get me to his company. And when he first contacted me he said he needed my word I’d take the offer if it came.

I’d hate to withdraw my candidacy now only to chase the prospect of Job B. I’d also hate to accept an offer from Job A only to leave shortly afterward for Job B.

What would you do?
 
I know you mentioned "all things equal" but is the pay exactly the same?
I would also consider longevity, at which company do you see yourself advancing & being a part of in the long run?
 
I know you mentioned "all things equal" but is the pay exactly the same?
I would also consider longevity, at which company do you see yourself advancing & being a part of in the long run?
Salaries would be comparable between the two give or take a couple thousand. Both would be a decent bump from my current job but not life changing.

Job B would be with the govt though this position has no promotion potential. That just means my earning potential would be capped unless I found another position at a higher grade. Once you are in and make it through probation you are IN and have more opportunities to move around. Job A is a contracting gig where your livelihood is tied to your company’s ability to keeping the work.

Job A would reunite me with some old coworkers so there is a ton of familiarity. But there is the expectation of business development and bringing in more work for the company. No sales quota or anything, just the nature of the environment. Job B is as about as “safe” as it gets with the ability to advance there or elsewhere.

Seems pretty simple. Did you give him your word?
I said I would accept an offer if it came prior to this new oppourtunity presenting itself.

And to add he approached me about the job because he was having trouble filling the position. I’m cool at my current job but have been passively exploring other opportunities.
 
If you get bored easily don’t do government.

If you just want to have a stable job it’s fine.
 
Salaries would be comparable between the two give or take a couple thousand. Both would be a decent bump from my current job but not life changing.

Job B would be with the govt though this position has no promotion potential. That just means my earning potential would be capped unless I found another position at a higher grade. Once you are in and make it through probation you are IN and have more opportunities to move around. Job A is a contracting gig where your livelihood is tied to your company’s ability to keeping the work.

Job A would reunite me with some old coworkers so there is a ton of familiarity. But there is the expectation of business development and bringing in more work for the company. No sales quota or anything, just the nature of the environment. Job B is as about as “safe” as it gets with the ability to advance there or elsewhere.


I said I would accept an offer if it came prior to this new oppourtunity presenting itself.

And to add he approached me about the job because he was having trouble filling the position. I’m cool at my current job but have been passively exploring other opportunities.
I would pursue both. Pursue job B and leverage job A, letting job B know you'll need above considerably above job A salary (can show them the offer). Government jobs usually take forever with their background checks/drug tests/pre-job stuff anyways. If you make it through all the interview process and all the initial pre-employment stuff (job offered), you usually can let Job A know a preferred start date as you'll have to transfer over from job A, which is a reasonable request. Work job A best you can and help with transition, wrapping things up in as best as possible if you get job acceptance at job B. If don't survive the interview process at job B, stick with job A and keep it movin'.

You'd keep your word to your buddy, but also look out for your best interest. If you get job offered at job B, just be straight with your friend: "I got a really good opportunity to work at X for the gov't. Have to do what's best for me and my family, but make the transition as easy as I possibly can for you. Let me know what I can do"
 
Salaries would be comparable between the two give or take a couple thousand. Both would be a decent bump from my current job but not life changing.

Job B would be with the govt though this position has no promotion potential. That just means my earning potential would be capped unless I found another position at a higher grade. Once you are in and make it through probation you are IN and have more opportunities to move around. Job A is a contracting gig where your livelihood is tied to your company’s ability to keeping the work.

Job A would reunite me with some old coworkers so there is a ton of familiarity. But there is the expectation of business development and bringing in more work for the company. No sales quota or anything, just the nature of the environment. Job B is as about as “safe” as it gets with the ability to advance there or elsewhere.


I said I would accept an offer if it came prior to this new oppourtunity presenting itself.

And to add he approached me about the job because he was having trouble filling the position. I’m cool at my current job but have been passively exploring other opportunities.
do both. i got a gov gig and able to flex my time after probation to do other other side gigs.
 
Any tips/advice on interviewing well?
It’s like dating. The more you do it, the better you’ll get. It’s a negotiation, especially if they want you. Ask for more than you want and don’t be afraid to say in your head, “this ain’t for me.”
Where my laid off folks at. 7 years and bye bye :frown:
What’s your profession? Federal government always hiring, and if you’re laid off they have to find you a new position. Maybe not in your immediate area, but hey, it’s better than nothing.
 
I feel so blessed getting a job that’s in line with my degree. I know a lot of my peers with deviated paths. Not saying that’s a bad thing but still.
 
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