I've been working as a temp for a little over a month and have an interview to fill the position permanently (along with other candidates) on Friday. I also had a couple interviews for a local Candy Distribution Co. and last Friday they offered me the position.

Here is the dilemma:
The owner of the Candy Company offered me the position last week, but he is out of town this week and has not given me any details on how much the position pays, if it has benefits or the work hours, but I meet with him on Monday to discuss that. However, it is a 30+ miles each way commute, and I worry that if they don't offer me enough (its a small family owned company) I will have to decline the position due to not being able to pay bills and afford the gas to drive there.

The other position pays enough, and is for a Housing Authority, so you know there is job security there, but if another candidate is chosen then I won't have this job either.

I'd really like a couple of perspectives, I'm really anxious about this.

Thanks in advance!

You can not make a choice, till you talk to the first company and get all the details, there is not really in my opinion a firm offer in place, until they tell you the pay and benefits and start date.

So you will have to call and ask the details of the job, or call and tell them when the owner gets back to have him call and explain the details.

I would try like crazy to get a hold of the candy company owner. In this day of all our fancy electronic devices, there must be a way! Does he have managers? A wife? Family members? At the company.

The owner is out of town on Business until this Friday, We have set up a meeting for Monday afternoon. I guess I'm just worried I'm going to hurt someone's feelings if I have to decline or I'll be screwed out of a job. Lol

First this is business, not the church pot luck dinner. You don't worry about hurting anyone's feelings, you do worry about acting properly and professionally in all you do.

You are in a hard place, and most people would accept the first job offered , if the pay and benefits are enough, if they have no other firm job. Since sitting unemployed at home in two weeks is not good for anyone.

But they may also, if offered the second job, after accepting the first one, may take the second job and tell the first, they will not be able to do it.

The only negative I see is that the current position is going to interview others, not just making yours a temp to hire.

Which job do you want? I realize that money is a prime consideration, but a company who offers you a job without details, and wants you to wait a week in this job market? I'd be a little suspect. (a bird in the hand)