I'm a little stressed out.
On one hand, I have a likely job offer (I've asked for something formal so we can be clear) from a company that I have a lot of respect for, and I think there's potential for game-raising action on my part. It would be a strong leadership role.
On the other hand, a company based elsewhere is moving on to second and third interviews with me, and it's a rock star kind of company where I could learn in ways that would raise my game. But assuming the additional interviews do work out, we're like two weeks minimum from an offer.
I'm not sure what my preference is. I suspect the pay would be about the same either way. Both could be sweet gigs but for different reasons. If I take the former, I may never know what the latter has to offer. But if I run out of time or decline on the former, I don't have any guarantee that the latter will pan out after additional interviews.
I suppose these are good problems to have, but they stress me out. Lead, grow, take charge, or learn, expand and telecommute. Not an easy choice.
I can't imagine that being pressured by time to make a decision on the former would put you in a place you could be happy with. Yeah, it's a gamble, and a stressful one at that. But you've worked really hard and you've taken the time necessary this summer to land the kind of position that could really make you happier than you've been with a day job.
I'd say you owe it to yourself to see how all avenues pan out before making a decision on one. You're worth waiting for... if the former can't hold off a bit while you iron out your options, then maybe that one isn't a good fit for you after all.
Dems my thoughts.