Turning Down a Job

saden, maybe you were being set up by upper management to see how you handled that job. any chance that job was a try out?

As some have said, it's not all about the money. You have to weigh all the positives and negatives.

To me, time off, a 9-5 schedule, no weekends, short commute, good work environment, and good benefits are just as important to me as a big salary.

I graduated college with a BA in Graphic Design. I did it for a year and a half, said I never wanted to do it professionally again and when I left they offered me a month's vacation and 10k more to stay.

I fix computers all day and have never been happier. You just have to do what makes you happy and 10,000 dollars would not have made me happy. That's how much I hated it.

clean up work as a programmer is absolutely no fun whatsoever. i certainly don't blame you for turning it down.

and yes, there are certainly other things that can easily make up for lost potential income. benefits, shorter commute, regular work week with no weekends...

I have a local government job where I work 8-5. No weekends. Leave when the clock strikes 5 no mater what. Decent benefits. As secure a job as can be had. And 100% no stress. I took 12k LESS for this job than the project management job I had before. This job is in a different area so with adjustment I am making probably 7-8% less than before but the job is just priceless honestly. The best part. Our department worked to get ourselves in position so that we are basically all getting 30-40% raises come January 1. Then I will be making MORE even without adjustment than before. Money isn't everything though for sure.

I think once you factor in tenure on your current job, you're due for annual increase later this year, and perhaps promotion within your existing organization it could be close to being a wash. It's easy to look at $15k for face value, but as other's have pointed quality of life is so much more important. Still turning down 15K for me is not like turning 15K for the next guy.

Years ago, I was switching companies and thought I had made the wrong decision - I mean I was leaving around 25K on the table. I moved on, and in about three months the company folded. Talk about happy!

How's this for crazy: This Friday I'm leaving a lucrative career in web design with good pay, great people, flexible hours and great career opportunities and benefits.

I'm leaving it to be a cop where I'll get almost no pay, shot at, spit at, yelled at, cussed at and completely unappreciated by everyone.

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with me?

How's this for crazy: This Friday I'm leaving a lucrative career in web design with good pay, great people, flexible hours and great career opportunities and benefits.

I'm leaving it to be a cop where I'll get almost no pay, shot at, spit at, yelled at, cussed at and completely unappreciated by everyone.

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with me?

Son, we need to sit down and have a talk:)

I know, I know.

The upside is I get to drive fast and carry a gun. Legally.

I know, I know.

The upside is I get to drive fast and carry a gun. Legally.

....and eat lots of doughnuts!