[linnjr02]

I have been working at an accounting firm doing audits for mostly governmental entities for almost three years. I intended to switch from public to private accounting, and started looking for positions in a bigger city. The main reason I wanted to switch was that I struggled decently with my current busy season hours (55-60), and the hours were going to progressively increase as I continue to work there.

In the middle of the job search, I talked to a recruiter who convinced me to at least try to interview for public accounting firms. I ended up doing a final interview this Thursday with a public firm that is downtown – doing audits for private businesses in several industries and nonprofits, which I have an interest in. Busy season hours are about the same as I was doing – 55-60, maybe a little more at times. And a pretty consistent 40 the rest of the year. The hours apparently get better as you move up the firm rather than worse.

I also interviewed with a large private business, where I would do journal entries, account reconciliations, and process improvements.

I was hoping to be able to see the results of both positions because they are both great in different ways. The private business was exactly the type of thing I was looking for at the start of this process – a large business with flexibility to move in different places in the company, while having consistent hours. One drawback is that it’s in an area of the City a little outside of where I would prefer to live. With the firm, I enjoyed the people I talked with there (as opposed to the business), and it would give me experience where I could go to a lot of other businesses after a year or two.

So here’s the situation: the recruiter that works for the firm started pushing me hard after the Thursday interviews. I felt like I had to make a decision on-the-spot. On Friday, I told him that he can go ahead and try to get an offer. And he did – $63k plus bonuses compared to the $50k I have now. Pretty crazy. Then again, other things motivate me much more than money.

The private business is still interviewing 2 other candidates, and they are filling 2 positions. I think they will be at the point of making a decision Tuesday or Wednesday, but I am not totally sure. Based on conversations I’ve had, I think they would pay about $55k, which would be fine with me.

I wish I had 2 extra days to work this all out, but I don’t. The offer for the firm needs to be signed by noon Monday, and I don’t know what would happen if I didn’t do it. The recruiter is on vacation that week, which doesn’t help.

I’m now confused and completely stressed about the whole situation, not knowing what to do with it. Based on the background I’ve given, what do you think I should do in this situation?

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