I received a job offer today

Back in December, I interviewed for a Communications Manager position with a local community services organization in my home town. I really liked the organization (at my last job, I worked with them a lot), but in the end, they went with someone who had a ton more experience than me. The job posting stated 5+ years of experience, so I was surprised that I even got an interview.

Anyway, the Executive Director e-mailed me back a few weeks after the interview, and said that out of all the candidates, it had come down to me and the person they hired. I was surprised when she said that, because I thought I bombed the interview, and the 2 assignments I had to do were of poor quality in my opinion. I mean, I didn’t even know what I was writing about … not to mention that writing isn’t exactly my strongest point. At least, I don’t think it is.

Well, she just called me this morning and said that the person they hired wasn’t working out, and she was prepared to straight-up offer me the job … wait. WHAT?!

I’m in shock, and I really don’t know what to do. This position is a massive step up from what I’m doing now … but I know that if I go back to my hometown, I’ll never leave. EVER. Even though I know that I need to be here in Vancouver to pursue the career I want to pursue, I’m so comfortable in my hometown that I’ll just never leave again. It’s hard to uproot and move away (albeit, just across the water, but still…), and I’ve already done that … but if I have to do it again? I don’t think I would. I don’t like Vancouver, but I’m glad that I’m here. Am I even making any sense?

Being in Vancouver is good for me. I’m slowly making contacts in my field, and I like being close to BF. Living in Vancouver, not knowing anyone, it’s making me more independent and it’s helping me grow as a person. I know that I’ve often complained about being lonely and not having any friends, but given time, I know those things will come around. I’ve only been here 3 months, after all.

But this position – this Communications Manager position – it would be amazing. At least I think it would be amazing … and it would most definitely mean a $10-15k raise in salary, which is pretty significant. Although I know that money isn’t everything (since I turned down that job in Northern Alberta, and they were offering an amazing package to me) … it’s just really difficult to say no to moving back to the island, where all my friends and family are, and I can go back to working more at the arena … which to be honest, is the most appealing thing to me.

And the job I have now here in Vancouver? I would be lying if I said I haven’t looked at online job sites once or twice since I’ve been here … but really, out of all of my complaining about this job, this is one of the best organizations I could work, if my objective is to network with the most influential people in Vancouver. And yes, that is my objective. :)

Logically, I can’t take this new job. I’m just coming out of my 3-month probation period here, and while I’m often frustrated with the job I have now, I’m pretty sure I’m not ready to become a Manager. It would basically be the job that my boss has now, but with a bigger organization. Why they want anything to do with me, I’m not sure.

I told her that I was living in Vancouver now, but that I would be open to moving back to the island (well, I would be open, but it’s not likely I don’t think). She is going to e-mail me the job description and some notes about the position.

I don’t know what to do. :( What would you do if you were me?

***EDIT***
The reason they are getting rid of the previous person is b/c that person only wants to work on a contract basis, whereas this organization really wants someone who will be a permanent, full-time employee.