How to politely decline?

duchess0727

I am looking for a new job and I got an email from someone about a great position that would be perfect for me .. if it were closer to home.  It's about 60 miles from my house and realistically, I just can't do that commute with two kids.  The guy who emailed me is actually the supervisor and I want to answer him as politely as possible but tell him that unfortunately the job is too far away.  Any suggestions on how to word it? 

 

nicmgen

I would be honest and tell him that the distance is too much each day but thank you for the offer.

14years

Is that a typical commute where you live?  Sheesh!

Any chance you can telecommute on this?

I have to think he's not going to be surprised that the distance is a factor.  I would probably thank him for the opportunity and the company's interest in you, and then say something like the position sounds ideal for your skills and interests, but unfortunately, the length of the commute requires that you decline it.

trinny

Ditto pps, but I'd also try to leave the option open for the future-- if you think you could do the commute when your kids are a little older and had some telecommute days.

While the commute is not a good fit for me at this time, please keep me in mind for future openings.  I could see potential for this to work at a later date.

shouldbworkin

I would just say that although the job sounds perfect for you, that unfortunately is not a commute that you can make on a daily basis at this time.  You could mention something about alternative schedules or arrangements to help make this sort of situation work for both parties.  Perhaps they would let you telecommute a couple days a week. 

duchess0727

Thank you all!  Just sent the email. 

duchess0727

He responded back that they are moving offices so the commute would really be 40 miles...  that's still too far, right?  Ugh - this is hard!

trinny

Hmm...  I would say yes-- 40 miles is still probably an hour each way, right? Would they let you WFH at all?  Or does your job require you to be there?

ETA-- "I would say yes"  means I would say yes, still too far!  

duchess0727

The position is Assistant Controller of a public company.  Probably need to be in the office at least 4 days a week but maybe one day a week could be from home.  Hmm.....

shouldbworkin

I would interview and see what you can work out.  You never know what can happen! 

financialdiva

shouldbworkin:

I would interview and see what you can work out.  You never know what can happen! 

 Agreed. Haven't you been having problems with your current job?

Halo79RN

duchess0727:

He responded back that they are moving offices so the commute would really be 40 miles...  that's still too far, right?  Ugh - this is hard!

depends on the office location and the route and of course, what time you'd be going in.  where I'm at, the 12 miles to work takes me about 40 min on avg... using expressways.  just once I get off of the expressway the traffic slows me down.  

but I know people in nj who make the commute to my hospital in a similar commute time.  (we're totally thinking of moving to nj).

good luck.  

14years

duchess0727:

He responded back that they are moving offices so the commute would really be 40 miles...  that's still too far, right?  Ugh - this is hard!

It would probably still be a little far for me, but it does depend on whether it's a quick 40 miles or a congested 40 miles.  That's just on the cusp -- 60 is easy to say no to, 20 would be hard to turn down.

Sounds like a great job, though, and if you could swing one day (two even?) of telecommuting, I don't think you could help but seriously consider it.

Valerie120408

The commute is longish, but it sounds like you would really like the job - I think I would tke the new job. GL