Job offer vs. waiting for grad school decision

[cookiesgarden]

I have just received a really good job offer, but I don't believe the MA programs I've applied for will release their decisions until two weeks from now.

 

I think it'd be too unethical to take the job only to leave for grad school a few months later; but I'm also really scared of the possibility of not getting into any schools (only applied to 3), and if I pass up on the offer now, I'd be stuck at my current dead end job for another year or more.

 

Should I email the admission coordinators to ask them when exactly the decisions will be out? I feel like this might be a frivolous effort. What would you do if you were in my situation? 

[BiochemMom]

Tell new job you need to put in your notice at current job and ask if you can start on a date 2 weeks out. (You should do this anyway as a courtesy to not burn bridges and new job should be cool with it since they'd want the same treatment when it's time to leave)

Then contact graduate program and tell them you've received a time sensitive offer and your acceptance is contingent upon their decision and ask when you'll know. Don't say job offer, just leave it vague.

Okay you get in to the program--call new job and thank them for the opportunity and let them know you will not be able to join their company unless they were able to do a short term internship (assuming it's related) because you were accepted into a graduate program.

Or you don't get in/they tell you all decisions have been made and you hadn't gotten one/whatever-- well put in a notice and start your new job.

They won't know for longer than two weeks--put in your notice and start the new job. It's not unethical to do so, just inconvenient. You did your best for each employer at this point and if that changes, it changes. They'll understand.

And if you're in an at will state and that last thing happens--keep your lips sealed until time to put in notice.

[cookiesgarden]

Thanks Biochemmom! That's what I was thinking too,  I just feel bad to accept the job and then either turn it down or quit shortly after. Hopefully employers don't mind it too much haha

[.letmeinplz//]

Thanks Biochemmom! That's what I was thinking too,  I just feel bad to accept the job and then either turn it down or quit shortly after. Hopefully employers don't mind it too much haha

It has happened at the place I've worked at (one guy lasted less than a week before he disappeared, another pretended to be coding but then left a month later and we found out he was just doing pseudocode so everything had to be redone with a month less time).

 

Also it is likely you work in an at-will state correct?

Being an at-will employee means that your employer can terminate your employment at any time, for any cause - with or without notice.

They would do it to you too if they wanted to. Hedge your bets if it makes you more comfortable.

Edited February 20, 2015 by <ian>