UPDATED - Got a job offer, but not sure if I should wait for a better one

[KingstonU]

UPDATED - Answered some questions

I'm a graduating Geological Engineer (Bachelors).

I just got a job offer from a very highly respected major company. One of my top 3 choices. The problems are:

-The pay and benefits are only alright, less then what I'm used to. But the world economy has gone to shit so maybe this is expected.

-It's a 9 to 5, 50 weeks a year job. I'm looking for a 1 month on - 2 weeks off type job (12 hrs/day without weekends for a month, then get 2 weeks off, repeat) which is common in this industry) until I'm in my mid twenties and will settle down after.

-They are only in North America and I want to work internationally besides US and Canada for a couple years until I'm in my mid twenties.

I have already worked in Brazil and Mexico. I have a considerable amount of experience.

The deadline to accept it December 20th, a few other companies have said that they are likely going to be sending me offers in the near future. The company I worked for last summer that I am really interested in and addresses all the above criteria, is considering me but will not be able to look at hiring or a little while.

There will be more offers between now and when I graduate (April 2009), but if I don't get a better offer by the deadline, should I accept? What would you do?


Thanks for any input or advice

 

[bwatson283]

Originally posted by: KingstonU


If I don't get a better offer by the deadline, should I accept?

What else would you do, live on the street?

 

[AlienCraft]

Call your Comgressman, ask for a bail-out.

 

[ScottyB]

How about accept the job, and then if you get a better offer take it?

 

[thepd7]

Ask for an extension. If they ask why you, just say you are "reviewing all your options". You will probably get an extension of a week or so. You might get a better offer if they really like you but thats less likely.

 

[JJChicken]

I say take it cause its hard to get a job these days

 

[PlasmaBomb]

It wouldn't hurt to ask about prospects for promotion or international travel.

It's better to have a job and look for something better than be unemployed.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: KingstonU
I'm a graduating Geological Engineer.

I just got a job offer from a very highly respected company. One of my top 3 choices. The problems are:

-The pay and benefits are only alright, but the world economy has gone to shit so maybe this is expected.
-It's a 9 to 5, 50 weeks a year job. I'm looking for a 1 month on - 2 weeks off type job (which is common in this industry) until I'm in my mid twenties and will settle down after.
-They are only in North America and I want to work internationally for a couple years until I'm in my mid twenties.

The deadline to accept it December 20th, a few other companies have said that they are likely going to be sending me offers in the near future. The company I worked for last summer that I am really interested in and addresses all the above criteria, is considering me but will not be able to look at hiring or a little while.

If I don't get a better offer by the deadline, should I accept? What would you do?


Thanks for any input or advice

1. Do not bitch about pay in this climate. Be thankful companies actually consider hiring fresh meat.
2. WTF...standard in industry only applies to people who have earned it
3. how did you get out of school not knowing there is more than 1 country in North America?

 

[Gibson486]

what is a 1 month on 2 weeks off? Last I heard, 2 weeks off was an industry min.

Just take the job. I rejected a job offer out of college....it took me more than 5 months to find another...and this is when jobs were easier to come by.

 

[speg]

I believe he means he'd work for a month (no weekends), then get two weeks off.

I would wait until the 20th to take the job (or later if you can get it extended) and then fvck them if you get a better offer.

 

[da loser]

Originally posted by: Gibson486
what is a 1 month on 2 weeks off? Last I heard, 2 weeks off was an industry min.

Just take the job. I rejected a job offer out of college....it took me more than 5 months to find another...and this is when jobs were easier to come by.

a lot of times in he oil industry when working overseas you'll work 12 hrs a day for a couple of weeks, then get a week off.

i'd contact the other companies to see if you can get a decision sooner. let them know when your deadline is -5 days. list your preferences.

it's entirely dependent on how valuable your requirements are to you.

also, you should check how soon you'll be working overseas for those other companies. it might be a while to gain the necessary experience to work in the field.

in the end, i'd take the job, wait for the other job and take it if it comes up.

some might recommend against burning bridges like that, but it really doesn't matter. companies will hire you if you're valuable to them.

 

[Lifted]

Originally posted by: ScottyB
How about accept the job, and then if you get a better offer take it?

This

Edit: As it's likely an O&G job, even with the lower oil prices these days, there are plenty of jobs around but usually for people with experience. Trying to get an ideal job at your age with no experience is pushing things. When you're older and have some experience behind you, you'll have the freedom to work anywhere.

 

[Koing]

Simple. Take the job and keep on looking for a better job. You probably have a 3 month probationary period right? Well they can sack you off within a week and you can give a weeks notice = perfect

I got a poor paying job out of college. In the first 3 weeks I had 2 interviews at company that was a lot better but I unfortunately didn't get the offer, but had I gotten it I would have taken it.

It's easier to get a job when you have some industry experience and when you have a job!

Koing

 

[RFtesla]

Is this company an independent or a major? I'm a geology grad student and I got a few offers for places to work, but I settled on one of the majors.

Are you coming out with a BS or MS?