Exciting interview for Plan B job, then...

[tetrandra]

Hi Everyone,

Never thought I'd be posting on this thread. Earlier this month I applied for a Plan B(ish) job in the vicinity of the only grad school I had hoped to attend. Feeling pretty down on myself, I'd assumed I wouldn't get a call-back about the job (was missing a qualification) or get into grad school (was waitlisted for the second time).

On Wednesday I got a call-back about the job. So exciting--a job much more related to my training, and with a massive pay increase. I was surprised at how they seemed to like me, and we scheduled a phone interview for Monday. Second interview to follow in person if things are moving in a good direction. I started daydreaming about how awesome it would be to work there. Grad school wasn't in the cards...who needs it, right?

On Friday I was accepted to grad school, with an email saying I needed to call admissions ASAP to discuss details, which I assume include the funding package. I was so ecstatic I could barely breathe, so I needed to put off calling. Wouldn't want them to rescind their offer over my inability to keep myself together for a simple phone call.

This is a wonderful problem to have, but I'm not sure how to proceed. I imagine I'll feel as though I'm cheating on either the job or the school if I don't disclose what's going on. Shouldn't I just keep quiet about this so I can gather enough info to make the best decision? In a perfect world I could attend the program and work part-time, but I'm not sure if that's an option. Either way, I don't want to waste peoples' time by going through with interviews or visits but I also don't want to screw myself out of a good opportunity.

This situation might be similar to what a lot of you are going through with deciding between programs. Sorry if a no-brainer solution is within reach here--my executive functioning seems to be compromised by the oxygen deprivation experienced while being over the mooooooooooon!!

If you were me, how would you conduct yourself on Monday?

Thanks in advance.

[guttata]

Neither is in the bag. You're not committed. Go at the job like you've been rejected from grad school. Talk to the grad school and don't mention the job, see what they're offering. If you get offered the job later, you have a decision to make and you're free to turn down either. I don't know why people are so worried about "hurting feelings." Everyone knows you can only take one position, thats why waitlists exist. No one is going to be hurt/hold a grudge if you turn down their offer