Must Make Decision Before Hearing Back from Other Schools?

[SeekingAdvice]

I'm in a very lucky position where I have been extended 2 offers from decent institutions. I also, however, have 2 campus visits after winter break at schools that I would place at the very top of my priority list, even above the schools where I have received offers. These visits will be at schools in highly desirable locations that are also more in line with my future goals as a faculty member. The dilemma is that I must make a decision about the 2 offers that I already have prior to the holidays, which is before I'd hear back from the other schools that I'm (more) interested in... I've also tried buying as much time as I possibly can.

Do you take the offer that you've been given, just to be on the safe side?

Or, do you politely decline the offers in the hopes that 1 of your 2 future campus visits results in an offer, that you would definitely accept?

[1]

Personally, I'd take the offer. Better safe than sorry.

But if you are the person who got the offer instead of me during my flyout, then decline and try for the other visits.

[Thanks]

Thank you. I’m leaning toward accepting one of the offers I have… but also, part of me feels like I’m missing out on an opportunity that could’ve been an even greater fit for me.

[be thankful]

you have a job. that neuroticism can help with productivity, but too much neuroticism can prevent you from enjoying life.

[be cautious]

My guess is that the OP is thinking something like “if I already have two offers, isn’t it likely that I will get at least one more?” That’s natural.

Keep in mind that if the remaining two schools seem like “better” positions — in terms of location, salary, trajectory, or whatever — the initial pool and subsequent competition might be relatively stronger. The OP might end up being the second highest ranked candidate for each but still walk away with nothing.

Here’s where “a bird in hand” really applies.

[Yes]

Dec 15, 2021 15:43:53 GMT -5 be cautious said:

My guess is that the OP is thinking something like “if I already have two offers, isn’t it likely that I will get at least one more?” That’s natural.

Keep in mind that if the remaining two schools seem like “better” positions — in terms of location, salary, trajectory, or whatever — the initial pool and subsequent competition might be relatively stronger. The OP might end up being the second highest ranked candidate for each but still walk away with nothing.

Here’s where “a bird in hand” really applies.

OP here. Yes, I definitely get that point. Salary at the next two schools where I have campus visits is not great, but they are both in highly desirable locations. But again, you’re right. There’s no guarantee that I’ll get another offer, and I may walk away empty-handed. Lots to think about!

[it depends]

I relate to finding anecdotes soothing. Here's mine.

My first job market year, I had an offer in hand by Thanksgiving. I considered the job itself a "B" in terms of fit for me, but the location and overall factors a "A-" for my family. I also got two interview requests for January, at places that seemed to be "A" in terms of fit for me as jobs, and the family/location factors, unknown.

I had to think about what mattered most. At that point in my life, with children, and deep money needs, I needed to get out of grad school. And since the job was workable, I took it and declined the two interviews. Btw if you do this, it may be worth mentioning that you have upcoming interviews that you will decline for a smaller bump in salary to seal the deal.

years later, I don't regret that decision. It was definitely the right choice at the time. HOWEVER, the prospects of a "B" job for the rest of my life had become more depressing. And so I went on the market again. Was picky about applications. And found myself in the same situation AGAIN. This time, offer in hand, that was prob "B+" fit, and then an interview upcoming for an "A++" job. Timelines too separate to play both out. I felt scorned by what I had to do in my first job market run. So that time, I gambled. Turned down the offer in hand. Did the interview. Heard that I did excellent in the interview, but because of fit, they chose someone else.

And now I remain at the B job. Which isn't the worst thing.

Lessons learned: If you want to turn down the offers in hand, think about the worst case scenario--you end up getting no job. you apply next cycle. What would that mean for you? is it acceptable?

If you want to take one of the offers in hand, think about the worst case scenario--it is hard or impossible to switch jobs later. You end up tenured at a place that's fine but not great. What would that mean for you? is it acceptable?

And then you pick the lesser of two evils.

[OP]

Thank you for sharing that experience. It's helping me think more rationally about my decision. I also didn't consider telling the schools where I have current offers about declining upcoming campus visits to help justify a salary bump. That's a really good idea.

I think my experience is slightly different in that I'm single and currently have a lot of flexibility in choosing where I move to, but similar to you, I have no interest in going through this process next year.

I definitely have a lot to consider.

[OP]

Thank you all for your insights and for sharing your perspectives. I ended up accepting one of my current offers and cancelled the upcoming campus visits that I had scheduled for late January. Hope this is also good news for a few candidates who may have been alternates at these schools.