u/jm08003

As the title suggests, I'm in a bit of a pickle. I've been applying to jobs and I've gotten a handful of interviews over the last month.

Yesterday, I finally got an offer. I was so excited and immediately started planning how I would relocate and find housing. When I received the call about the offer, I told the hiring manager as I would need a day or two to make a decision--especially because I didn't know if I could work as soon as they wanted me to. I have to make a decision by the end of the week.

Today I had an interview for another job. I attended the interview because I didn't want to cancel on them at the last minute. To my surprise, this interview went incredibly well. For the first time in a long time, I had great chemistry with everyone in my interview panel. They took the time to discuss all my work duties and work benefits. They also provided positive feedback for just about every question I answered.

Both positions are in the same salary range and consist of just about the same work.

The differences between the jobs are that the one I just interviewed for has a much stronger work-life balance (e.g., the panel made it clear they do not want employees working outside of work hours), there is more room for career growth (e.g., employees have the option to learn new, relevant skills outside of their typical duties if they want), and they offer to pay for community college classes for employees to learn more about programming, statistics, etc. that could be beneficial for the department. There is also tuition reimbursement.

Geographically, the job I interviewed with today is about an hour from a very major city. A few months ago, I got diagnosed with a rare disease. There are about ten hospitals in the US that specialize in my disease. That major city has one of those hospitals. If I accept the job I got yesterday, I would have to travel ~11 hours to see my specialist.

My pickle is that I've been unemployed for three months. There is no guarantee I'm getting the job I interviewed for today. The job I interviewed with today seems more than perfect and I would hate to pass it up if I ever get an offer. I also know how difficult it is to get a job in the first place and would feel stupid for passing my current offer up. My relatives told me to contact the hiring manager of the company I met with today and explain that I have another offer but am more interested in working with them. The company I met with today did not know when they would contact candidates with their decision.

I don't know what everyone else thinks? What should I do? I am still incredibly happy and grateful to have the offer I currently have. This other job is just on my mind and I think I would be so much happier with them. Career growth is the most important thing to me and I think this job I interviewed with today is the best option... but again, I may not get it in the end.

I'm from the Northeast and will be moving to Columbia very shortly (as in... a few weeks)! I've been reading up as much as I could before making this post, so I apologize if this thread is redundant.

I am moving in with my smaller dog, looking for 1 bed/1 bath under $1,500. I've looked at my options in the safer/more highly recommended parts of Columbia, but apartments in those areas are either too expensive or the apartment complexes have very strong, negative reviews.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend apartment complexes that have better reputations and are in safer parts of the area? I'm not so much concerned about walkability or proximity to stores. I'm prioritizing safer areas as it's just me and my dog.

Thanks and I'm exciting to join you all!

Hi all! I recently left my PhD program back in January and have been applying to jobs. Aside from applying to jobs in my field, I applied to a few NPS jobs. I don't have the relevant work experience, but I have a BS and MS in Environmental Sciences. I was over-the-moon when I was selected for an interview to be a NPS Park Guide. Today I got the call and was offered the position. I have until Wednesday to make a decision, but I am torn.

Along with being offered this job, I strongly believe I am a top candidate for a state government agency position (just finished the background check and driving report). This job is great because it's permanent, pays well, and I would enjoy it. But another part of me thinks I'm crazy to pass up working with the NPS and see where that leads me. I've been wanting to work for the NPS for sometime now.

My question for everyone here is about the position title itself. I tried searching for older posts on this subreddit but couldn't find concrete information. I've read that it is very hard for Park Guides to become Park Rangers. (This position is 0090 grade series.) I've also read conflicting information on a Park Guide transitioning into an Interpretation Park Ranger. I just wanted to see if anyone could confirm or provide further information on this.

I would love to work for the NPS but I also want a career that offers professional growth. I'm scared having the label "Park Guide" will limit my chances of acquiring other positions with the NPS.

I have another day to make a decision and I wanted to consult here first. I'm fortunate to have another career option on standby, but I really want to see if this position is feasible for me. Thank you for your time.