Speaking from a professional viewpoint, when a man or woman accepts a job/promotion, they do so because they want to move up. When they first accepted the job, they had a vision for where they wanted to be and a promotion confirmed that. In this economy, there's no such thing as job security due to layoffs. What is an employee to do when (s)he accepts an offer BUT continues to interview for other positions? In theory, you should stick with the first offer you get especially if the job has everything you're looking for and then some. With this economy, you have to do what's best for you employment wise. If you have a great job, yes you should be thankful and hold onto it but at the same time, keep your options open. What if you find the job that's TRULY yours and you want that one instead? It would be tough to turn down a promotion at your current job because something better came along. The job market isn't like it used to be so again, all options must be kept open to protect against layoffs. Layoffs are a part of the business world so it's important to have a Plan B. In 2012, it's not smart having your job being your sole income source so at the very least, you should have a side hustle that you can eventually focus on full-time. The best way to insulate yourself against layoffs is by having another job already lined up before you walk out on your present position. This way, the thought of how you're going to make it won't be an issue because you already have your cards in order. The issue with accepting a job/promotion is word will get back to your employer and you'll find yourself in the unemployment line all over again because most companies will expect you to choose between their job or another one. Companies are looking out for themselves even with layoffs so an employee has to do the same. If a company lets you go because you won't take the first offer, they helped you make the right decision because you found out where they really stood. It's rare for somebody to stay with one company for 20+ years without having to ponder the possibility of a layoff. Companies have no loyalty to their employees so why should an employee be loyal to a company? I support everybody who keeps their options open by taking a job/promotion and continuing to interview elsewhere just in case they may find a better job that pays more, offers a better benefits package or one that's conducive to what that person is looking for. I also believe that jobs are hard to come by so if you get an offer, you should take it and move on. It may not be the job you want but use it as a stepping stone to something better.
