Deadline to accept contract?

[Cusack]

Just how serious is a "agree by xxx date or we will move on to other candidates", er, threat? Should it concern me? It's a March posting, by golly, and I'd like to ruminate more than a few days (got the offer Wednesday--deadline Saturday). I'm not a ditherer, but I DO have two other inteviews next week.

[Lotus Eater]

Is it the job of your dreams - or much the same as others? If it isn't the job of your dreams - take no notice of the deadline. If they really want you they'll wait, if they don't then you don't really want them. If you LOVE the job they've offered take it!

Plenty of jobs out there.

[Non-Dave]

It's rubbish. Make the decision in your own good time and ignore any attempts to force the point. There are more jobs than applicants - and as a teacher you are the valued commodity. They only get paid if they get you to sign on the dotted line and then actually arrive - even if it's a school and not a recruiter they will have a bug up their butt to actually have someone committed to coming.

Let them know that you are giving the offer due consideration and if that doesn't work for them, too bad, wish them well in their efforts to find someone. Take your time and do it all properly - then make a decision when you have all the information.

[Lone Traveller]

good advice.

[The Canink]

I have been in the "make up your mind within X days or we'll give the job to another" person three times in my life, twice for teaching in China. Each time I've cordially thanked them for the job offer but graciously declined. Each time I found later, through the grapevine, that my taking the job would have been a mistake.

Just saying....

[Raoul Duke]

Dittoing the dittoes.
Never take any kind of pressure to sign a contract. Be reasonable, but don't get pressured.