Politely decline a position?

[Anonymous]

How do I do it? I love the potential boss and the work but I need at least $5k more to make the commute from Rockville to DC worth it and he already said the salary was the cap. I want to remain connected to him and even would be willing to meet for coffee to share contacts. Do I just say that?

[Anonymous]

Yes. Just ask for what you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:. I want to remain connected to him and even would be willing to meet for coffee to share contacts.

Wow. You have just wasted his time by going through the interview process (I assume) and deciding not to take the job after all; and now you want to use him for finding another position via "sharing contacts"?
That said, nothing wrong in requesting to connect with him on LinkedIn.

[Anonymous]

Just be honest (to a point). Tell him you would have loved to accept but you're unable to do so due to financial considerations.

[Anonymous]

Just say you're sorry but to make the commute worth it, you need a higher salary, but you understand if that's not possible.

[Anonymous]

Good suggestions above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just say you're sorry but to make the commute worth it, you need a higher salary, but you understand if that's not possible.

... and that you hope they find an excellent candidate for the position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do I do it? I love the potential boss and the work but I need at least $5k more to make the commute from Rockville to DC worth it and he already said the salary was the cap. I want to remain connected to him and even would be willing to meet for coffee to share contacts. Do I just say that?

If you really love the boss AND the work, is it really worth it to turn down over $5k? Granted, we don't know your personal financial situation but having both of those things is worth so much. It's your happiness!

[Anonymous]

Have you firmly decided or are you still willing to negotiate? Perhaps there are other benefits that could offset the 5K: additional paid time off, ability to telework, etc.

Personally I WAH, and aside from the normal commute cutting benefits, it is also a big personal benefit because it enables me to take my kids for a longer visit to see family in the summer. I may take a bit of time off to do stuff with family, but most of the visit my kids go to camp with their cousins and I work as usual - it's great.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestions. Part of my dilemma is that I have another offer on the table that is a shorter commute, 35 hrs a week but $14k less than the other position. It will squeeze our budget pretty tight but my husband thinks it's worth it.

If my husband wasn't a factor I'd choose the DC job (for professional growth). I'm going to call the potential boss tomorrow and share what's been suggested. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

Oy. I think the career growth may be worth taking. Think about this more - about what you want, not just your husband.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the suggestions. Part of my dilemma is that I have another offer on the table that is a shorter commute, 35 hrs a week but $14k less than the other position. It will squeeze our budget pretty tight but my husband thinks it's worth it.

If my husband wasn't a factor I'd choose the DC job (for professional growth). I'm going to call the potential boss tomorrow and share what's been suggested. Thanks again![/quote

Worth it for him, or you? Agree that there might be non-monetary bargaining chips you might be able to use if this is the right job for you. ]

[Anonymous]

I was once offered a job and told that they couldn't raise the salary, but they offered an additional week of vacation. If the commute is an issue, maybe ask for one day a week telecommuting.

Personally, I don't get how you would take a job that pays $14K less, but you need $5K more to make the more professionally fulfulling and better-paid job worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the suggestions. Part of my dilemma is that I have another offer on the table that is a shorter commute, 35 hrs a week but $14k less than the other position. It will squeeze our budget pretty tight but my husband thinks it's worth it.

If my husband wasn't a factor I'd choose the DC job (for professional growth). I'm going to call the potential boss tomorrow and share what's been suggested. Thanks again!

Ask for a telework day! (Or two!)

See what they say before you decide.

[Anonymous]

Rockville to DC is not a horrible commute for a job with growth potential and a good boss.

Why is your husband making the decision? Do you have daycare pickup issues or does he just want you home to make his dinner?