OT : Need advice on job situation.

[eztrack]

I recently was laid off due to downsizing after 10 years with a company as a tool room machinist. Before that I worked 8 years for another company before switching to the better job , so I have had a pretty stable employment thus far. Here is my "situation" , I recently signed an offer of employment with a company but the start date has not been set. It looks as if I could be given a 2 weeks notice to start at any time. This would be the best paying/benefits job I have ever had . But I can't wait around assuming they are going to call tomorrow , I didn't fall off the wagon yesterday so to say and any thing could happen. So in the mean time I put in with another company and was offered a job. This isn't quite as well paying of a job but it is still a well paying job. I start the job in a few days. The first month or so of the job will be company procedures training . If I would get a call from the other job giving me a 2 week notice should I keep quiet about it and let them know as I walk out the door the day before I start the new job ? I would assume most companies wouldn't let someone work out there 2 week notice if they are in training and only have been employed with them a week or 2 .
Health insurance starts on day 1 with both companies and I cant go with a gap in insurance.
This all goes against my work ethic but I feel as if my hands are tied.
Just hoping to hear some input from others on this
Thanks

[RalcoBe]

I suggest you to look at the situation every day,
and don't say anything to enyone.

It's a tough time.
Don't let anyone look into your cards,

Your president handles the same way :-)

[DareBee]

Money isn't everything.


If/When the time comes, take the job that will make you the happiest.

[Geof]

If what you are contemplating makes you feel uncomfortable, don't do it. It is sometimes tough to stick with good principles but it does feel better at the end.

[Rico55]

It sounds to me like the first company might be waiting to sign a contract that they would need additional help for, and offering you enough to keep you waiting. I have been there before, and then the contract didn't come through; take the second job and work until you hear from the other company. I would be asking some specific questions and doing some research on this first company. Maybe you can talk to someone who works there who can give you an honest opinion about what is happening. The second company has got to understand that in good times and bad, if they don't pay to keep good people around, they will lose them. They will not like it if you leave on short notice, but if you explain the situation and other offer to them, maybe they will learn something from this situation. Be careful though, that you don't jump ship and find out there is a big leak under the deck somewhere.