[sara76]

Here it is:

I have been unemployed for about 13 months. I've had a few jobs that were intended to help get me through, but nothing I wanted, and nothing that worked out for as long as hoped.

A few weeks ago, I applied for a job with the state which would be working one-on-one with people in residential facilities. They need people around the clock, and it doesn't sound like there's a set schedule. It pays about $13.40, with mandatory overtime. It's an hour commute (at least, probably closer to 90 minutes), and it's a temporary 6 month position, with a possibility of going to permanent after that time--so, no benefits. It's obviously not ideal. I just received a message offering me the position.

Last week, I applied for a job at a crisis line. They're also open 24/7, but I would have a definite shift, but it would be either swing or graveyard. It's local, but could take just as long to get to if I take the bus, or I could be paying $10 a day to park. It's a permanent position, with benefits after 60 days. It pays a base rate of $16.30, with a shift differential, so depending on the day or shift, I could be making $17.30 to $20.30 per hour. I participated in an informational conference call last week, had a phone interview yesterday, have an on-site operational interview tomorrow, and should know if I'm hired by Thursday.

Either way, I have a job starting Monday . Both jobs offer new opportunities for learning and growth in my field, but I know that I prefer the 2nd job. It's closer, pays more, and offers benefits. Primarily it's the benefits and the location. Otherwise I'd be torn between the more hands-on, long term care vs. the crisis short-term approach.

So, the problem is, what do I tell the residential facility? I feel good about the crisis line job. The process has been going well. I've gotten along with the people. I'm fairly certain that they will offer me the job, but there is never a guarantee. If I say I'll take the job I've already been offered then back out, that could put them in a bad position because they need somebody for that job. If I say no, and am not offered the other job, I'm screwed. Should I ask for a couple days to decide? That's cutting it close, and I'm afraid they'll say no.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[sara76]

It seems like the obvious answer. I've accepted the job, and will change my mind if offered the other one.