I'll try to keep this as short as possible. I'm not happy at my current place of employment so I started job hunting. At first it was quite depressing becasue the salary for the positions I applied were not as good as my current place. I applied forany places and 2 places got back to me. Let's say company A is a comfortable position which I think I'm over qualified for. The position has quite entry level but there seems to be good career progression. The salary is quite a bit less than my current place. Company B will be a challenge but I've always wanted to be in this role. I've never done this line of work before. It's challenging, exhausting but at the same time very meaningful work. The pay is great but the line of work might be a lot or my mental health. I also know some people don't make it past probation becasue it was too much for them.
Since I applied for both places around the same time the recruitment process started around the same time. Both companies required some form of prerecorded video interviews and assessment tests to check my skills. I passed them all. With company A I was invited to the final interview. They said they will get back to me next week but they actually responded on April 1st. I was obviously happy but they would like a reply from me by April 5th. Company B called to let me know I passed almost all my assessments and they are just reviewing one of the prerecorded interviews. They said they will invite me for an interview next week if I pass the initial interview.
I want to accept company A while I wait for a response from company B. However I feel as becasue I am definitely leaning towards company B. Problem is I am not even guaranteed an interview with company B let alone passing the final interview. Should I pass on company A while waiting on B? Another thing is the hiring process for company B is quite slow becasue it requires high security clearance. It might be a few weeks after my tentative interview before they finish my criminal record check, references etc.
What should I do? If I'm not so unhappy with my current job I would not be so eager to jump on the first offer. I know I'll be happier if I chose company A over my current place but I also want company B. Im also not sure if I'm made for the job with company B becasue it's known to be challenging.
Also want are some tips on declining the job after accepting it?I'm almost inclined to accept it first and then decline it if company B takes me. I know it's not ideal but it's silly to no see this through right?