5 Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer

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 have been job hunting for a year and have no income. I've been interviewing but only had one offer last week. This was for a position that sets me back in my career to entry level and I have 14 yrs exp. in my field. The company filed bankruptcy last year I guess and they have no benefits, the pay is what I made 10 years ago...very low for the responsibilities and no bennies.

I'm feeling sick to my stomach thinking about how stressful the job seems. The would be manager seems like he micro manages...Seems like he had an irresponsible teenager that called in sick all the time and came in late. If the digital printer went down, I'd have to run the work over to another town and lug all the boxes of paper in my car to print and on a timed schedule. No chatting with other co-workers...not that I would do that, but since he explained all this on my interview, it made me already feel like he'd be cracking the whip and doesn't trust his employees.

I feel like I'd want to quit immediately after finding work, but since he doesn't like people taking time off...I'd probably get fired if I had to take time off to "interview". Plus, all the stress would show in my face if I had any interviews.

What would you do??

Karie of MN 9:31PM February 22, 2010

I've been unemployed for 4 months. I was laid off a job with a terrible, out of control, tantrum having boss. I survived for almost 3 years with no complaints.

Yes, I need a job, but not that bad. My gut was sending all sorts of signals. I felt the unreasonable demands throughout the interview. I was offered a new job and turned it down. They then added an extra $5000. I turned it down. Why, they wanted my soul and my Saturdays. I was very respectful in turning them down. I asked all the key questions in the interview. Sometimes you have to be strategic in your questioning. For example, I asked what were the work hours. The answer was 8 - 5, but no one is watching the clock. Okay - What are the average hours worked a week? Answer - I don't know. But know one can take a day off the first two weeks of the month.

The two people who I would be working under me looked waaaaay beyond there years and stressed. My favorite saying is 'if that's the look of success then I don't want to be successful'. I am now pursuing a job making about $9000 less with my life, time, and family in tact. Piece of mind - priceless!

Obviously, I'm not the bread winner and have previously worked part time. So just about any full-time opportunity will be an increase in household income.

Just for the record - in my field, you just don't work Saturdays, that's an abnormality.

Vicki of GA 4:47PM January 18, 2010

Had been through 3 rounds of interviews with Company A, was perfect for the position, and was the final candidate. Was told I had one more interview which was a "meet and greet" with some Board members, and then they would hand me the offer afterwords. Meet and greet? Try grueling, intense, high pressure grilling. After which, no "hand me" offer. HR rep admitted they lied to me to "set me up" to see how I handled the stressful situation. Got another offer the next day from another company (which I almost blew off because Company A was 'in the bag') and then an offer from the "set up" company. I thought, if they thought it was okay to lie and toy with me as a candidate, how would they treat me as an employee? Turned them down even though the money was somewhat better and am happily at the company that made the 'lower' offer, but treated me fairly.

Peter of NJ 11:03AM October 30, 2009