Verbally committed to a horrible job out of panic....

[jp47]

I only applied to three grad schools in for Public Policy (UC Berkeley, USC, and UCLA). Before hearing back from any of them I interviewed for and accepted a job with political organization (like PIRG, but not exactly) where I would make literally less than hourly minimum wage and be under constant stress. At the time, it seemed like a great way to challenge myself and develop new skills, but now the option of going to USC instead seems much less terrifying than being a grownup (I'm graduating in May). It is even less attractive since USC gave me 20 grand a year, which is almost my salary that I'd be making. Has anyone ever backed out on a job offer? I haven't signed a contract or anything, just verbally committed but I don't want to burn any bridges in the same field that I hope to work in (political management). How do I tell them that I want to back out? Or do you think it would be good to get a few years of work under my belt?

[newms]

If you haven't signed anything then it definitely is possible to change your mind and walk away. Without knowing the details of the organization you verbally committed to, or the nature of your field, I can't say how much it will hurt you to back out of your verbal commitment. I guess it comes down to what you want to do after grad school - would you end up working in the same sphere as this organization? My advice is that you go with what you think is best for you. You won't be doing yourself or the organization any favors by working in a job for a couple years that you're not happy in.

[TransnationalHistory]

There are lots of bridges out there to burn, don't worry.

[eklavya]

There are lots of bridges out there to burn, don't worry.

haha. quite hilarious.

to the OP: if it was only verbal, you're fine. sure it might look bad from the employer's perspective, but if it's not what you want to do, then the hell with it. if you think that by working that job, and re-applying a couple years later will make you a better candidate, and can get into good programs, then think about it. perhaps even take the job offer. but if you aren't sure that doing the job will do you any better, then don't do it. opportunities to attend grad schools come by very rarely, and you are a very lucky and smart person. so, utilize it. once you finish your degree, perhaps you will get chances of crossing better bridges.

and like everyone else around here, this is just my opinion. go with your guts.

[qbtacoma]

Plus, if it's a PIRG-level organization, there's no way in hell you'd want to work for them in the future. So don't worry about it - they won't seriously be able to influence your future career, especially when you get out of grad school however many years from now that no one remembers you.

[MoJingly]

I agree with all of the above. What great advice we get on here.

[SimilarlyDifferent]

As far as how to tell them, I think that you should either call or email the person that you spoke to regarding the position ASAP. This way, they aren't expecting you to take the job anymore and they can start to look for other candidates for the position. You could very politely mention to them that since you had spoken to them last, you have received a generous offer from a graduate school that you would be foolish to turn down. (This way they know you aren't walking away for a different job, and they know that you didn't know about the acceptance when you agreed verbally about the job). Wish them luck filling the vacant position, etc.

Honesty is almost always the best policy.

[jp47]

Thanks for the advice! I called them and they didn't care at all. Silly me...

[fall-11]

Thanks for the advice! I called them and they didn't care at all. Silly me...

That's awesome! And congrats on USC!