2 jobs, ticking clock dilemma

Moneypenny424

Wow, when it rains it pours!  I just got another job offer.  I'm still waiting on the firm offer for the job in Chicago and this new offer expires in 48 hours.  I really want the Chicago job, but I will have to take the new job if they don't give me a firm offer in 48 hours.  While it would be good that we wouldn't have to move for this new offer, it will pay less and be lower on the legal group totem pole. 

Grrr...I have to accept this other offer if Chicago doesn't come through in time, right? 

FutureMrsTR

I don't know anything about the legal world or the Chicago job situation, but would it be rude/presumptuous/uncouth/out of line to let the Chicago people know you need an answer because you have another offer?

emilyinchile

Congrats on the offer, MP! I think you just have to decide which would suck more - taking this job and having to pass on the Chicago job, or ending up with no job for a while longer. Either way, I'm hoping Chicago comes through before your time runs out.

crfische

Can ya call Chicago and tell them to hustle their buns?

TheCranberry

Can you follow up with the other job and let them know that you need to know you need the firm offer soon?  Maybe say that you are very interested in the offer and regret having to rush them but that you need to know within 48 hours whether you have an offer.  I know there's a better way to say this.  People in college used to receive "exploding offers" (offers with an expiration) and would somehow let other employers know they have a deadline.  Perhaps google about it?

danieliza1127

Yeah, I'd somehow gently and tactfully let the Chicago people know that you have this offer on the table for 48 hours and see where they are in making their decision.

Moneypenny424

Thanks!  FutureMrs., Chicago asked me to tell them if I receive any other offers.  They knew the process was going to take a bit of time, but they didn't want to lose me to another offer.

I like the people with the Boston job, so it would probably be a good environment.  I've been waiting 1.5 years for a permanent job, so I know I can't pass it up without another firm offer in hand.  I've just never had an exploding offer before, so I thought I'd have a week to decide!

squirrly

Call Chicago & let them know this offer exists. 

Accept said offer if Chicago doesn't hustle up.

Is there a contract?  Can you quit if the Chicago one comes through and you decide you want it more?

Moneypenny424

I emailed Chicago and let them know.  I told them that I had another offer, but that Chicago was my 1st choice.  I also told them about the 48 hrs.  They are on it and will let me know ASAP.  T

his waiting is killing me!  I've wrapped my head around moving to Chicago and I think I'll be a bit disappointed if that isn't how it works out.

Moneypenny424

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_2-jobs-ticking-clock-dilemma?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:5f5ffea4-cddf-4ce4-8ed3-98ce7f77f50dPost:cce84e40-d613-47f1-ab75-edd11265302b">Re: 2 jobs, ticking clock dilemma</a>:
[QUOTE]Call Chicago & let them know this offer exists.  Accept said offer if Chicago doesn't hustle up. Is there a contract?  Can you quit if the Chicago one comes through and you decide you want it more?
Posted by squirrly[/QUOTE]

There will be a contract in place, but more than that, I just wouldn't want to up and leave someone so quickly.  There was a lot of competition for the Boston position, so I'd hate to screw them over.  Plus, I'd end up working on the other side from them in the Chicago position and don't want them to hate me.

FutureMrsTR

"exploding offer" makes it all sound so exciting.  And a bit Mr. Gadget-like.

TheCranberry

Yay!  Let us know what happens.  Congrats on the job offers. 

Moneypenny424

Thanks ladies!  I agree, exploding offer makes it sound like a spy game or something.  "This offer will self-destruct in T-48."