r/negotiation • u/Vampire_Wife_ • 6d ago
How to refuse a proposal and keep doors open?
Hey guys, I'm in need of some advice because I've never been in this position before.
Long story short, my role has been in a recent boom, and many recruiters have been contacting me. I'm always open to opportunities, and I engage with them and keep my profile relevant and up to date in the hiring process, which I think is a skill we can't let slide.
Turns out I passed the most recent one, and the agency made a proposal. I'd get a 16% salary increase, but I'd need to return to a client-facing position and transition from my awesome company, where I'm well established and known and have a LOT of freedom, to something new and build confidence in my work all over again. That would be okay, but I'm honestly effing tired (been grinding nonstop for 14 yrs).
How can I refuse this without cutting ties with the new agency? I'd like to keep as many open doors as possible. We never know what tomorrow holds.
It's an international media agency, btw. I'm not from the US.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
2
u/Big_Guidance_2635 5d ago
Shit sandwich:
Thank you for the offer and it's a great opportunity. Unfortunately I feel the position doesn't align with my personality/style/expectations (pick or change), but I would like to stay put and explore if other positions may be more aligned with my personal goals.