5 Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer

Reader Comments

Back to blog

Thank you, I have just turned down a high paying job for reasons 1, 2 and a little of 3. I'll never know if I was right but having just lost one job for not being good enough I didn't want to jump straight into another

Cecilia 12:49PM October 26, 2011

Hi,

just turned down the dream job. I have been unemployed for 18 months and this was it out the blue, good salary, stable company, a job that would take some effort to get my head around but not outside my technical competencies.

So why? Well it is 500 miles from my family, and my youngest has aspergers and I would only see him once or twice a month, I cannot for at least a year disturb his environment if at all, next after accommodation and travel the pay was actually not that great. Finally my gut feeling was that whilst on the surface it all looked great the company was actually very reactive and I would have to bear this, and I have had enough of this kind of pressure. So in short the dream would probably have turned into a nightmare because of my natural black and white thinking that I would never have a job again, so what is the answer find a similar job here and accept a lower salary if necessary, that way I can be with my family which is above all my priority in this stage of my life.

James 6:29AM August 17, 2011

I turned down a very good job in Germany because I just did not think I wanted to move there. All of my friends and several members of my family who knew I was being considered for the position think I am stupid for turning down what they basicly consider to be a "dream job" but I just decided it wasn't what I wanted to do.

I also turned down one in Hawaii after contacting realtors there and finding out that an effeciency in Honolulu cost more than I paid for my three bedroom home here in Virginia.

trevor of VA 12:25PM February 14, 2011

I just turned down an invite for a second interview. It was hard to do because the phone has not been ringing off the hook with job offers. This job had everything I did not want. It was a call-centre environment, bad hours and about 15k lower than my last position. The only thing it had going for it, was that it was close to home. Working close to home is high on my list for an ideal job.

Still I feel guilty and bad about turning it down in the same way that there a starving people in the world that would beg for the vegetables I left on my plate. I have been out of work for a long time but obviously not hungry enough. I am afraid that when I do get hungry enough I will kick myself for not taking the opportunity. I wish that I could just feel great about my decision and not be second guessing myself.

Suzy 6:51PM February 03, 2011

I have a decision to make and your article brought it into focus.

Peter of VA 8:13AM January 15, 2011

I'm from the UK and have just found this page after searching 'turning down a job offer'. Today I had a phone call with my first job offer since finishing my 'A-level' qualifications 5 months ago. They'll need to know tomorrow whether or not I want the job, and I'm almost certainly going to turn it down! It's an apprenticeship which, although reasonably relevant to what I might want to do in the future, is poorly paid and on a much lower level than I'm qualified for. But the main thing is that I have an instinct that something just isn't right!

CC 2:22PM December 09, 2010

I just turned down a seemingly perfect position and was looking for validation for my decision. All five of these reasons were why I turned it down! Thanks for assuring me that I made the right choice. :)

Melissa of CA 12:24PM October 04, 2010

Im currently an intern heading 2the end of my contract.I have been invited 2 attend a 5stage interview at d mst wel knwn companie in my field!this is huge 4 some1 with n0 experience.Its a dream job wit gud pay n benefits.But my gut has been telling 2turn down the job.Iv been torn bout what to do,bt now i knw i have 2 turn it down:-)

Lache 2:26PM June 23, 2010

I left a good position for a little bit more money; I was sure this caltipult my career. I was miserable eventually they let me go and it has been a 2 year journey for me. I have a master's degree and took a job as a Administrative Assistant (not good)I was in panic mode. I feel horrible, because I didn't listen to my inner feelings. The job is not challenging, nor rewarding, far from home and long hours. I should be in a more leadership position. I haven't work for this little bit of money for about 10-15 years.

I had another inteview with a huge company...but the vibes for me were not there. Still temp, still low salary, but doing something different. I haven't heard a response back yet, but seriously considering turning it down. If we don't learn our lessons the first time we keep repeating them. Although the economy is bad, I have to keep faith and be steadfast in what is good and right for me, having faith isn't easy. The $$$$ never solved anything when that is the only pro. I am thinking to myself how do you turn down a job...and you have no income. First, I am not the breadwinner, secondly, I have learned to start listening to my inner self. I don't want to job hop. I can't really talk to family and friends, because they might not understand, but I have been in misery before don't want to go there again.

Shawn of NJ 2:40PM June 01, 2010

I'm unemployed and I recenlty interviewd for a job in an industry imho is a dying industry. On top of it the salary was 20% less than what I made. Of course they dangle a "but there is huge bonus potential" in front of you. I agree with the 5 signs and am going to turn it down.

MIke of PA 10:22PM February 24, 2010

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to blog

On Careers

On Careers

Find savvy job advice from the brains behind top careers blogs, including Ask a Manager, Lindsay Olson, Keppie Careers, Young Entrepreneur Council, CareerBliss and Glassdoor.

Jobs That May Interest You

advertisement

Latest Video

advertisement