Offered job but interview this week

[MommyandRN]

Hi. I have just been offered a job I would LOVE to accept. It's in a "dream" specialty of mine, but it is an hour away and the schedule would definitely interfere with my kids' schedules. I told the recruiter I am thrilled with the offer, and would think about it and let him know.

Later this week, I have an interview for another "dream" specialty. It would be closer to home and not interfere with my kids' lives as much. I could be available to them more. It pays less, but would be worth it I think in the long run. I definitely want to go on the interview.

I don't know what to do. Accept the offer at job #1 and don't look back? Or accept and still go on the interview? Or tell them I need more time to think about it before I accept, in order to see what happens?

[llg, PhD, RN]

Can you negotiate a start day with #1 to give you time to interview with #2 and get a response from #2 before you would have to actually start the job at #1? That's what I would do. While accepting #1 offer and then backing out before your start day would not look good, it would be better than quitting during your first week if #2 comes through with a job offer. Does that make sense?

While at #2 interview, I would tell them that you have another offer that you would rather turn down. That may spur them to make up their minds fast.

Good luck.