Comments on: Business Question

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:43:01 +0000

Companies give you time constraints when they feel you are very valuable to them and dont want to give you more time to be grabbed up by someone else.
They know that the time limit that they put on you is purely to push you to make a decision because you think that you will lose it if you dont act before the allotted date.
Best advice given in these comments is this:
Ask why the 48 hour time limit.
Then explain that you need a bit more time to think about it as you have a lot more to consider than just, the job and the pay. Divulge as much information as you feel is within you to share. Personally i have no qualms with using my personal life, even if it is exagerated sometimes, to pressure them into giving me more time to think about it. How you do it is up to you, but asking them for more time to consider the offer is completely within your rights as a person and especially as a single Father.

Remember that a company has a lot of power to pressurize you, and put you in the position that they want you in. But you have just as much power, in some ways, even more power if you are highly sought after in your field.

By: Alan

Alan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:06:49 +0000

It really depends. I was in a similar situation 20 years ago. I accepted an offer for a job I kinda wanted, best I’d found. Then a week later, got an offer for the dream job I’d applied for and thought I didn’t get.

In my field, which is not your field, everyone told me it would ruin my reputation and burn a lot of bridges to cancel the job I’d accepted, possibly in writing (I forget if I’d signed anything).

In hindsight, I’m still not sure I did the right thing.

There are so many possible considerations that aren’t in your post, nobody can give you great advice.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:43:10 +0000

Easy – Take both jobs

By: Len

Len — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:21:53 +0000

Take the last date company A and tell the company B you cant start because you have to give notice to the current company, or that you need a week to take care of personal business. The real problem is you posted it and they both know it now. Which company has the best future? and +2 for happiness over cash. The time you spend with lil dan is worth more than gold.

By: Hoyt

Hoyt — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:12:58 +0000

Hey Daniel,
/personal story on

For five years I lived in NC, worked in NC, got paid big bucks, but didn’t really like my job.

Two years ago I was offered a job in CO. I’m a cyclist, so CO is heaven for us. The problem? HUGE pay cut. Still a “living” wage, but barely.

I decided to move. The result? I LOVE my job, LOVE the area, and honestly, I don’t miss the money a bit. I’m having too much fun.

So…don’t decide based on the money, decide based on what is going to make you the happiest.

By: Zwingli

Zwingli — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:49:46 +0000

I’ll come at it from a different angle.

Yes, money is important. However, since both are giving X a substantial increase, the exact amount of A > B really doesn’t matter.

My question for you is… Which job would make you happier? Seriously, money isn’t everything. I know to many people with really good incomes, that are miserable. They, as many others, have gotten themselves into a situation where they can’t leave their jobs, and they feel horribly stuck. I’m sure that eventually employee X will have a life style on par with their income. So, go for the job that gives the greatest happiness ratio. That way, there will be less of a chance of remorse later on.

By: Ailtia

Ailtia — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:30:34 +0000

Company C!

Really…money is not everything…its a big part but not everything. Which of the companies has better health care? Which company has a better chance on promotion? better chance of being there a year from now?

I mean a company could give you a large salary but could be belly up in a years time…while the other company could give you a smaller salary(but still more that you make now) and they are still there years from now.
Just look at everything before choosing…its your choice.

By: Guy

Guy — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:23:37 +0000

In this economy…

A bird in the hand beats two in the bush.

GL. You’re gonna need it.

By: Jamison Banks

Jamison Banks — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:05:42 +0000

48 hours? Bad sign. Very bad. NO company worth working for requires you to say yes or no that quick, unless they’ve got something to hide (or you to overlook). Company B can stick it – they’ll wait. If you take it, they’ll stick that same procedure on you AGAIN. Ad nauseum.

By: LJ

LJ — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:13:14 +0000

Old adage…a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Take Company B for now, and if Company A comes through, count your blessings and say good-bye! A couple of years ago I accepted a job offer I wasn’t pleased about to begin with, my Company B if you will, and I totally rescinded on B for A once A made their decision. Good thing I did since B is now out of business! Skin of my teeth, let me tell ya.