Hi, just wondering if anyone can impart any job hunting wisdom 🙏
I found out late last year that I'm almost certainly going to be made redundant by end of Feb. I immediately began job hunting and unexpectedly, despite being in a relatively niche job with a limited number of companies (around 15) that I could work for in reasonable commuting distance, 8 were/have since advertised suitable roles and I have so far applied to 6 of them.
I have been contacted by all six - 1 interview resulting in a job offer, 3 formal interviews booked over the next couple weeks (following on from informal chats) and 2 more preliminary informal chats lined up.
The job offer salary is around 15% lower than my current (no scope to negotiate any further). Unfortunately, I wouldn't expect any jobs to match my current salary as it has been inflated for various reasons, however I am hopeful that there could be a higher offer from a different company. The offer is also unfortunately from the least preferable company due to being fully remote (I know this would be the dream for some but I would prefer a mix). Not a deal breaker but obviously not top preference. The role itself sounds great.
I am very risk averse so I feel I must accept the job offer, it being the only actual offer at this point. They've said they would like to hear back within a week (ie well before I'm likely to have heard from other companies).
So, do I continue with the other interviews? My gut feeling is yes - but then what would I do/say to the first company if I receive a better offer after accepting theirs? And this could easily happen again with other companies. We could survive on the lower salary offer but it would really impact some upcoming life plans. I would also really like to avoid burning any bridges as there are such limited options if I were to need to job hunt again any time soon. Any advice appreciated 🙏