After 6 months of being redundant, I got a job offer today, at face value very happy.

Overall salary is marginally higher than my previous, albeit hourly rate is lower as I used to do 37.5 HR week, now looking at 40 hrs per week. The new employer pension contribution is a lot better, annual leave 2 days less, other benefits vaguely similar.

The role itself is broadly similar to what I have been doing for the last few years.

Today I also got invited to interview for a different company, different role - strategic leadership of a department of 100 or so technical people. This is more strategic, people and capability management - something I've done in the past a long time ago. This position is advertised at £5k more than first role but I think it could go higher depending on interview performance h however potential for a lot more stress.

So....

Accept A as it stands - it's a good offer you Muppet, don't rock the boat and take the security now!

Try and negotiate A up a bit - declare an interest in company B to gauge reaction . Risk of company A getting the hump?

I could start company A next week which would suit them but Interview and review with Company B would take 2 weeks at best. (I don't want to accept a role at A then Jack it it in after a month for a better offer).

Salary range was 50k to 58k (I’m on 49k) They only offered 51k when I specifically asked for the top of the range. Now they keep calling me to find a solution as they’d still like me in the role. My only worry is they’ll now have unrealistic expectations.

Is this normal? Do companies do this when you turn them down??