Two hiring processes; how to navigate?

Post date: 2021-05-11 09:01:59
Views: 86
What it says on the tin: I'm currently in two hiring processes with two totally different departments. I have an offer in hand for one; sounds like a no-brainer, right? But it's not quite that simple. Details inside.

So I am one of those public safety types, and over the course of the past few months I have found myself to be in the fortunate position of two hiring processes. We will call them South FD and North FD.
I was offered a job today with South FD. This is awesome! Except...I'm still technically in the hiring process for North FD, a much larger organization with many candidates to sift through. I am about 1/3-1/2 of the way through the process with North FD. I am waiting for them to tell me if I have moved to the next step, which would take place at the end of May.
Relevant background: both of these jobs are demotions, but the pay and benefits are better at both organizations compared to where I am now and much better work environments. I started the process with North FD well before the one with South FD. South FD is a much smaller organization that does not require relocation. North FD is metro and I would have to move to another state, starting in a whole 'nother retirement system but massive opportunity. South FD has me retired in 2036/7 (one pension); North FD would have me retiring in 2045 (one full pension, one half pension).
In the interview, South FD asked me if I was in any other hiring processes; I truthfully answered "one, with North FD." They asked how I would handle it if I was hired by South FD and I answered "I don't know; I wouldn't have an offer from North FD until almost 2021 and it would require selling my house, and I don't know how far I'll even make it in their process. I don't have an answer for you at this time." Which is all true, hence my conundrum.
I want to sign the contract with South FD, but my colleagues are split as to whether or not I should leave the process for North FD dependent on my actions regarding the job offer. I was upfront about the other hiring process, and that organization offers A LOT of opportunity. Like, it's in the big leagues. I don't want to burn bridges. But I do want to do what's best for myself and my career. Also, taking the job would mean I have to update my work history with North FD and I have no idea how tricky that will be.
Staying with my current organization is not an option for way too many reasons than we have time for here.
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