Can he use the more detailed offer from job 2 to get some clarification on job 1? For instance, if there is some vagueness about pay (is this a commission -based contract position?), perhaps he can get them to solidify a number. He might also negotiate a better number based on what's not included in the offer (insurance). I don't think the employer would care about the commute difference, or put any value on it.

If job 1 were a direct hire position right now (so the insurance issue evens out), would the long commute even be a factor? If not, then maybe it shouldn't be a factor at all.

I also want to say "well done" to your hubby for getting the interviews and offers. It's tough out there, so he clearly has a desired skill set.

Were it my husband I'd urge him towards number two.

I think it all depends on your financial situation now, and if you can afford to wait for a better offer. Neither of them sound particularly ideal to me, because you don't know what the situation will be like in 6 months. What will his salary be in job #1, and will he have a job offer from job #2? An hour commute in city traffic is pretty wearing, but it helps if you think it's worth it financially. I just feel like a secure company could make him a better offer. Of course, if this is typical for hiring in his field, ignore me.

#2 in a landslide. First one is way too iffy. Not that #2 is ideal...it's just my choice between these two.

I would also go with #2. Good luck!

The long commute is tough, especially since you're home with young kids. My husband has a long commute because we didn't want to live in the area where he works, but to be honest, I am ready for some adult relief when he finally walks in the door each night! Not to mention, he misses us. Our kids are getting ready for bed when he gets home.

Since there are fuzzy lines with job#1 and the long commute is a key factor, go with job#2, but still keep looking assuming that it WILL not become permanent.
It might take another six months to find something and in the mean time he will be working. Less holes in his resume.
With additional connections, job#2 might LEAD him to something else.

#2 because of the insurance advantage, the shorter commute, and the chance that he might get on with the company. In the meanwhile, he's still getting job leads. Maybe something better will turn up. Long commutes are a killer on fathers -- he'd be tired on weekends too. Extra strain on you, Anele.

Whichever he thinks he would enjoy more. One, because life is short. Two, because in the long run you will do better where you are happier.

Since both are contract positions I would go for the one that will look better in a hiring situation if neither pans out into a permanent position.

Also consider if something is what he has not done before if he would succeed at it vs. maybe finding out it is not his forte.

Thanks, everyone! I have been updating DH regarding all of your very helpful responses.

Now there is a third offer that just came in.

Option 3
Permanent position/direct hire. Commute is great-- only a few minutes away. Opportunity exists for growth and taking more of a leadership role. Pay would be pretty good (better than before) with one significant issue. The company, it seems, pays 0 towards the insurance. The insurance is not only quite expensive, but is probably the absolute worst company to deal with (I've dealt with them all), and the coverage is poor.

He has the possibility of one more offer coming in, though because of issues on the company's end, may not be soon. He is also interviewing at another place (right now) which would be a great co. to have on his resume, but only a long-term contract and obviously no offer.

Amen, mtnrd! None of what you say says anything about what he'd be doing or the people he'd be working with. Those are tremendous factors in overall happiness in any position, and thus with success in performing the work and overall satisfaction which bleeds over into home life as well.

And if he's got all these job offers coming in, it sounds to me like he's got a talent that's in demand and he can be more proactive about naming his price and defining his role.

In option #3 do you have to go with their insurance company or can you go with your own? Might want to see what the option/costs would be there since it looks like in another option you would have to do insurance anyways.

If # 3 is a good opportunity, why would you need to sign up for THEIR insurance since it's too expensive and they don't contribute? Before he decides, if #3 is a contender, I'd look into the cost of other available insurance and factor that into the decision.

Yes, can he decline the insurance with job 3 and search for his own policy that fits your family's needs?

You will have to sit down and compare the different packages of salary/insurance.....but agree with mtnrd....go with the one that jazzes him the most and not the one that may be most secure/short commute, etc.. If it doesnt work out, it sounds like he would not have any trouble moving on since he already has numerous offers.

My DH faced a similar dilemma 17 years ago...safe, secure government-type organization or innovative technology company...he chose the innovative company and hasnt regretted it. Good luck!

With Obamacare about to start, insurance can be a whole new ball game so don't discount #3 without talking to a benefits specialist who can tell you what the new options are. (still confusing at this point but getting hammered out by States etc)

Will be back soon-- continued thanks as you all have provided such a great framework for making this decision.

Offer #4 just came in from today's interview. I think it is the place that most excites him.

All I can say is it's great to get four job offers to choose from.

Wow, that's amazing in this economy. What line of work is he in?

Thanks again, everyone. Your replies truly made a difference in defining what was important.

I brought up the work environment/what makes you happy discussion with DH as soon as he started looking for work. He didn't know. Even after interviews, he wasn't sure. However, after checking out the company last night and having the interview today, he was finally truly excited about the work itself and environment. Whew.

I completely agree about the insurance issue-- there are options. I have also experienced enough to know that ins. is never a sure thing (as it changes yearly), and with the new health care laws, could change even more. Hopefully for the better but nothing is without downsides.

I am also glad so many of you suggested option #2-- I was also leaning to that, but the "old school" thought it always permanent is better than not . . .but as we all know, in today's world there is really no such thing. I think DH felt reassured by your words, to take a risk.

So, option #4 won. It's not quite as close as some of the others, but completely within reason. It is work that is exciting for DH. It is a long-term contract but with good insurance (and very affordable) and the best pay out of any of the options, though #2 upped their offer.

Snookums, we never dreamed he would have these possibilities come together like this. Frankly, these last several weeks have been trying and stressful and I am worried about what else is waiting in the wings. He is in IT.

Thanks again. Now I just cross my fingers that the hard part is over, but that's not life, eh?

Congratulations to you both...sounds like a fabulous opportunity all the way around...exciting work, good $, and decent and affordable insurance...I hope he enjoys his new position.

Congrats! So thrilled something good has worked out for you and DH.

Congratulations!! Your hubbie must be a very desirable guy and/or have some really great references. People even fighting over him! lol Hope it is a great opportunity that he also enjoys a great deal.

Congrats! FWIW, I just left a 1-yr contract position after 8 years!

I'm way to late on this Anele, but wanted to say my hubby is in IT too and he went with a consulting firm and is working 4 days a week in California. We live in Nebraska. They pay everything but insurance. Luckily he retired from the Army (mostly reserve) a little over a year ago so our insurance is taken care of, though we no longer have dental or optical insurance.

Good luck to your hubby!

Thanks again, everyone. I am breathing a little sigh of relief, but not too big, since I know anything can change at any moment.