Why do I wonder if declining a job offer was a mistake?

It's common to second-guess significant life decisions, especially when you can't see the future outcomes of your choices. This feeling often stems from a natural human tendency to imagine alternative realities and the "what ifs" that come with them. Our brains are wired to evaluate decisions, and sometimes this leads to rehashing past choices, even good ones.

Research from Cornell University suggests that counterfactual thinking, or imagining alternative pasts, is a common cognitive process people engage in after making important decisions.

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who wonders if declining a job offer was a mistake?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone wonder if declining a job offer was a mistake?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to wonder if declining a job offer was a mistake?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to wonder if declining a job offer was a mistake?

Is It Weird?

Real stories from the community

you know how sometimes you find something like totally random and it just hits you in a WAY you didn't expect like a punch to the gut almost so i was cleaning out my grandmas attic this weekend which… …

path not taken

I was at a gallery, technically for work — auditing their financials, which is exactly as riveting as it sounds. …

path not taken

I push his stroller sometimes when we go for walks, you know? …

path not taken

i feel so dumb posting this but here goes — this is stupid but i was walking past the community garden today just after my microeconomics lecture and it just hit me. …

path not taken

Like, a moment of cognitive dissonance, I guess? …

path not taken

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to regret turning down a job?▾
Yes, it's very common to experience some level of regret or doubt after making a significant career decision, whether it's turning down an offer or accepting one. This doesn't necessarily mean you made the wrong choice, but rather reflects the natural human tendency to imagine different outcomes.
How do I stop thinking about a job I turned down?▾
Focus on the reasons you made your original decision and the positive aspects of your current situation or chosen path. Engaging in new projects, setting future goals, and practicing gratitude for what you have can help shift your focus away from the 'what ifs'.
What if I made the wrong career choice?▾
It's important to remember that career paths are rarely linear. If you're feeling you made a wrong choice, consider what specific aspects are causing this feeling. This can help you identify actionable steps, whether that means adjusting your current role, learning new skills, or exploring different opportunities in the future.

Have your own experience to share?

Share Your Story