protocol for turning down work when new job seems imminent Forum

[Anonymous User]

Title says it. I work at a firm in one city; I have a callback scheduled with a firm in another city next week. I think it is likely I will get the job. If I don't get this one, I will eventually get one in this new city. The turnaround would be quick: I would be expected to start at the new firm within the next month I believe. But I am still getting new assignments on a near daily basis from my current firm. I am accepting same. My feeling is that I don't turn down stuff until I actually have an offer. Still, I would hate to be responsible for numerous time sensitive projects only to have to hand them off at the last minute. Is there a way to handle this?

[Hopefullitassociate]

I personally wouldn't turn down any assignments on this basis (unless you're super busy and the quality of your work would suffer). Barring any extraneous circumstances, a callback is promising but not enough of a guarantee to acting like you have something lined up with regards to your current firm. Don't worry about passing off work - you and the firm will deal with that if and when the time comes. But until you have an offer in hand and have put in notice, I wouldn't do anything to compromise your work relationships at your current firm.

[Anonymous User]

You should pretend like you are not going to get the job until you do, and keep up appearances. I have had a call back and been waiting for the offer and have been rejected. You never know how these things go or who your competition is. Especially, in the lateral market.

[RaceJudicata]

Yep, the firm will figure shit out when / if you leave. Don’t put the cart before the horse.

[lolwat]

Agree with others. There are some reasonable reasons to turn down more work (e.g. if you're already super-busy), but not because you're hoping or expecting to get an offer that you don't have yet.