Turning down an offer, following up, and other advice needed. What is the right thing to do?

Hello!

Let me preface by saying I can’t stand my current job. I also can’t stand my current manager, and my development and growth has stalled. There is no where to move up to, or even laterally.

I hit the job hunt, but this has been a stressful process in itself. I got an offer that I have to respond to by tomorrow, and the salary is 25% more than what I make now, but I know three first hand accounts of how bad the job/company are, but I’m afraid if I don’t take it, I won’t find/get in anywhere else.

Sure, I have irons in the fire with far better firms that I would love to get into, but I have no control on how they will pan out. Specifically, three companies.

One I had my second interview with about a week ago. I thought the process was moving along and I did well in the interviews, but I asked my recruiter contract for the email of the person I interviewed with to send a thank you email, and they never responded and it’s been radio silent since. Should I follow up?

Another I have a second interview with on the 6th, and I really like the company, but i feel under qualified.

The third I just had a phone screen with today, and I think it went well. I sent a thank you note to the recuiter, and his response was below:

“Thanks Xxx. It was nice talking to you. I have sent my recommendation over to the hiring manager. Let you know once I have feedback.”

The only thing that concerns me is that he said they were reviewing internal candidates, which mostly means I’ll lose out.

Thoughts? Better to have a bird hand than two in the bush?