A tale of two employers

[Samamfia]

My work has just been through a restructure. I’ve been offered a role which is slightly less money than I’m on now. Boss wants me to give her an answer today so she can announce the new structure to the board.

I’ve also interviewed for a job at a different company which pays more and which I would prefer for other reasons too. Interview went very well, feedback was positive and they’ve said they’ll give me a formal decision by the end of this week.

What should I do?
a) Accept the role at my current work - but this will cause my boss embarrassment if I retract two days later and could potentially burn bridges
b) Let my boss know I need extra time and not tell her why (I’m not sure she will countenance this)
c) Let my boss know I’m considering another opportunity and need another couple of days to make my decision
d) other?

They want to pay you less. This is not an employer you should worry about burning bridges with IMO. I'd take it then retract.
Good luck with getting the better job!

I’d go b) tbh you have to reconsider in order to see if you can make a lower salary work. Would you get redundancy if you didn’t accept?

Then if new job comes through you can graciously decline.

You don't have an option really - you could ask for the weekend to decide but if your current manager says no then accept the job and then hand in your notice if you get the new job. How long have you worked in your current position, is this a redundancy or Tupe situation here? Are you sure they are correct in giving you a new role with less pay?

Not a redundancy situation. I joined on a fixed term contract and was seconded into a higher role, so they aren’t particularly the villain for offering me a permanent role with a pay grade that’s between my original and current post. The role I’m seconded into is being removed and split into two lower-grade roles.