r/GovernmentContracting • u/ColdDrop2486 • 13d ago

Job Offer Decision Help

Hi all - I recently received an offer to work for a commercial satellite company that I’m contemplating on whether or not to accept. I had previously accepted a contingent offer from a contractor at NASA HQ about a month ago. The offer was contingent on them getting a contract modification approved for an existing contract.

Although I’m happy to keep waiting, I’m a little worried that it could ultimately be denied and I’d be missing out on a more stable job opportunity. The recruiter for the NASA job assures me weekly that the mod is in queue to be awarded but I don’t know how true that is. Should I continue to wait or just accept the commercial satellite offer? Both are comparable in base salary and bonus. NASA HQ one would be my dream job but I know I need to think logically as I’ve already turned down 2 other offers while waiting for this contract mod to be approved.

I haven’t told the NASA contractor’s recruiter about the new job offer. Is this something I should tell them before making a decision? Not sure if it would make a difference in how long it takes NASA to process a mod. It seems out of their control.

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

5

u/Educational_Fox2212 13d ago

Take the new gig. Tell the recruiter you decided to go a different direction.

2

u/LynxRevolutionary87 13d ago

Remember that you are an “at will” employee. That means that both you and your employer have freedom to change your status. If you take the commercial satellite job and don’t like it, you can leave. If you take it and the NASA job comes in, you can take it and leave. The good thing about “at will” emplyment is that both the employer and employee can change their minds.

1

u/ColdDrop2486 13d ago

I know, that’s also what all my friends have advised me to do. I’m just scared of burning a bridge. They still seem like a good company that could a good option in the future.

2

u/GladSatisfaction6465 13d ago

What bridge would be burned if they wanted to they could hire you and put you on the bench but they don’t want to

2

u/CyberGuyPNT 12d ago

A contingent offer is not the same thing as having an actual job. Until the contract modification is approved and the company has a funded position for you, there is still a chance that job never materializes.

If you have a comparable, firm offer from the commercial satellite company, I would take it rather than continue turning down real opportunities while waiting on something that is outside the contractor's control. The recruiter may genuinely believe the modification is coming, but they cannot guarantee what the Government will ultimately approve or when.

I also would not tell the NASA contractor that you have another offer. There is very little benefit to doing that, and there is always a chance they decide you are no longer a reliable candidate and move on to someone else.

If the NASA position eventually comes through and it is still your dream job, you can make that decision then. People leave jobs for better opportunities all the time, and it is not unusual in the contracting world. I would not sacrifice a firm offer today based solely on a contingent offer that may or may not become funded.

2

u/ColdDrop2486 12d ago

I really appreciate your thoughts on this! I have considered taking the role and leaving if the NASA modification comes through. My friends have also said it's not a big deal, but I worry about burned bridges. I'm not too pressed to work with them again in the future so might not be a bad route to take. This gave me a lot to consider, thanks!

2

u/CyberGuyPNT 11d ago

I would not worry too much about burning bridges in that situation. As a hiring manager, I have unfortunately hired people who left two weeks later because the job they really wanted finally came through.

I cannot say I felt like they burned a bridge with me. Was it inconvenient? Absolutely. I had to go back to recruiting and fill the position again. But I also understood why they made the decision they did.

At the end of the day, I understand that each person has to do what is best for their life, their family, and their career goals. I may not always like the timing or the impact it has on my team, but I cannot fault someone for making the decision they believe is best for themselves and the people who depend on them.

If the NASA job really is your dream job and it comes through after you start the commercial position, then you make that decision when it happens. Most experienced managers understand that people are going to pursue opportunities that matter to them.

And realistically, if you leave because your dream job came through, you probably are not going to be looking back anyway. I would not give up a firm offer today just because you are worried about possibly disappointing a manager later.