After saying yes, before signing

[Ginnygingseng]

Have accepted a job offer (job a) and they are in the process of drawing up my contract.

I have an interview for job b I would much rather take (better conditions , salary, and would be a promotion).

If I did manage to get a second offer and they give it before my contract is signed, what happens then?

So stressed as I know they will ask my availability in interview and no idea what timeframe to give as I haven’t seen the contract for job a !

I want to try and cause as least hassle as possible for job a, and will work whatever notice is required (although I’m guessing they’d prefer not to have to do this as it’s just extra admin for them). It’s the not knowing that is causing me to spiral 😅

You need to tell job a you are still weighing up options. It's really shitty to start work there knowing that you've applied for another job.

Just go for the interview.

Until you have signed that contract, nothing is in place. They could turn around tomorrow and say sorry they no longer have funding for the job.

The chance of you being asked to work your notice for job a if you were to give notice within a week or two of starting, is virtually zero.

On availability, tell job b whatever is the truth today.

I can’t do this, and I don’t think anyone in my position would either? I feel awful about causing hassle and extra problems for people.

my fixed term contract was coming to an end, and I don’t have the luxury of savings to buffer the gap while I find the perfect role. I’m a single parent and wouldn’t have been able to pay my rent or bills.

my industry is incredibly competitive and job b represents a promotion that will change the trajectory of my career for the better, job is my same role that I have been trying to move up from. I have applied for at least 40 roles in the last 6 months with no luck, and it’s just typical that two (potential) offers came up at once.in addition Role b will be 10k+ more a year - meaning I can finally start building up savings and being able to treat DS to more things. He’s such a kind boy who never complains about not being able to do all the things his friends do , but I would love change that.

would you genuinely make yourself vulnerable to not being employed, or turn down an opportunity that will make life significantly easier for you and your child?

Agree with this and wholly disagree with triplegin.
Do what suits you.

If you get hit with a bus in a month, 'job a' employer will have an advert out for your position before the end of the week. No-one should be be making their lives more difficult for companies.

When do you start job a? Until then you don’t have to give them any notice, you just say you have changed your mind and won’t be starting.