Advice needed on potential job offers (job offer, employment, interview, owner)

[ChocolateChip]

At the beginning of October, I applied for a GS-9 position in Philadelphia and on October 23rd, I had an interview with a defense contracting company in the D.C. area. The company in D.C. wants to hire me, but doesn't want to offer me the position until they get funding for the project because I'll be relocating from Florida. Today I received a tentative job from the government position (providing I pass all the checks) who wants an answer by COB tomorrow. I really want the position in DC because it is a better overall fit for me with more money and travel. The GS-9 is really low pay for the area and the work is not really what I had in mind.

Should I call the company in DC and let them know I have a job offer and see what they say? I have been in contact with them almost every two weeks since my interview and he did say I was the one they wanted and as soon as the funding comes in he will be calling me. Should I accept the job offer in Philadelphia until the job in DC is offered? What would you do in this situation?

[RoadWarrior12]

Federal background checks are notoriously slow, holidays will only bog them down even more.

How's your personal risk tolerance?

You could go this route:

1. Accept the GS position, lag up to the max allotted time for each form, drug test, etc.
2. Call the GC and let them know you have another offer on the table and we're hoping to get an answer or timeline.
3. See who makes it to the finish line.

This approach could go sideways and cost you both gigs.

Conversely:

1. Take the GS job and bail as soon as the GC job comes through.

Likely burns a bridge.

Either way, you've got a bird in hand and a turkey in the bush.

[ChocolateChip]

I'm really not sure what to do. I want the job in DC, but like you said, I have a definite offer for Philly. I think I'm just going to call the company in DC to see when they can expect to get funding and if I for sure will get a call back. I just don't want to jump the gun and miss out on a potential good job position. I did think about taking the GS job and wait until the contracting job come through, but I don't feel morally right doing that.

[RoadWarrior12]

Originally Posted by ChocolateChip

I'm really not sure what to do. I want the job in DC, but like you said, I have a definite offer for Philly. I think I'm just going to call the company in DC to see when they can expect to get funding and if I for sure will get a call back. I just don't want to jump the gun and miss out on a potential good job position. I did think about taking the GS job and wait until the contracting job come through, but I don't feel morally right doing that.

I say this as an employer, a former business owner and someone who's been around the block a few times.

Every island has two bridges, as long as you don't burn both, you're fine.

"Morally right" and employment in the GS/GC sector are mutually exclusive. Do not hesitate to do the right thing by you, assuming you're early career. That's what I've come to expect from most of y'all. That's how I'll treat you anyway.