I left my last place of employment abruptly due to a hostile work environment. First time in my life leaving a position without giving notice (well, gave same day and walked out), and also first time leaving without having something else already lined up.
I'm currently job searching. I've been getting TONS of interviews. I've never felt more validated in my life and KNOW that I made the right decision.
Here's my dilemma:
I just received a very good offer at a company (Company #1) to do a job I actually didn't apply for; during the interview process they thought I might be a good fit for a similar job, so they had me do interviews for that position too. Offer is 2K less than the position I left, but there's a sign-on bonus and the benefits package is amazing. This company wants my response by Friday.
However, there's another company (Company #2) I've also been interviewing with for a job fits more with what I'm looking for, and from what I can tell, pays MUCH better as well (potentially 15K more than last position). I have round 3 interviews for that scheduled next Wednesday (week from tomorrow).
I plan to let the HR person from Company #2 know about the offer at Company #1 and of the Friday deadline; the hopes is that this would light a fire under their butts.
BUT… what do I do about Company #1?
Option 1: Accept the offer, then potentially rescind if Company #2 comes through later? Start date for Company #1 would be 5/31, so it's not like I'd start working and then leave. But I feel bad saying yes only to say “just kidding” a week later.
Option 2: don't accept Company #1 offer, hold out hoping for an offer from Company #2? But if Company #2 doesn't extend an offer, I'm screwed…
Option 3: counter-offer Company #1, ask for $5K above their current offer. They could say yes, could say no. I've never done a counter-offer before so this is scary territory for me.
Other options?
(Meanwhile I still have interviews lined up this week with 3 other companies as well).
This is the first time I've been in this situation and any help is appreciated!