Decline an accepted offer

[auctioner]

Hi all, I'm having this problem now. I got accepted to an econ PhD program with funding, and as everyone knows the official date of accepting the offer is drawing near. However, I am still waiting for a job offer for a research position. I prefer working to directly attending PhD for various reasons, but I will eventually re-apply to econ PhD programs after two or three of years of working if I get the job offer. The job offer decision will not be made before April 15, and it feels risky for me to decline the PhD offer and just wait. I plan to accept the PhD offer, and decline it later if I get the job offer. Do you think this is a bad strategy? Will this harm my chance of reapplying (to other, and better) econ PhD programs after a few years? Thanks!

[OogieBoogieMan]

you will accept the offer anyways. there is no point in asking for any help and sympathy towards your situation, as you will occupy a random person's chance of funding.

[meiloya]

you will accept the offer anyways. there is no point in asking for any help and sympathy towards your situation, as you will occupy a random person's chance of funding.

Very well said.

[confusedgrad]

yes, he will accept the job offer if he is offered, but what if he is not offered? he has all the rights to secure himself. in such a case, he has to think only about his own situation. i am sorry but i dont think that it is unethical. because, in this case, he still has some chance of going to phd and he does not have to think about anyone else.

so, i think, you shouldn't judge him so harshly...

[blockRed]

you will accept the offer anyways. there is no point in asking for any help and sympathy towards your situation, as you will occupy a random person's chance of funding.

Agreed.

[blockRed]

yes, he will accept the job offer if he is offered, but what if he is not offered? he has all the rights to secure himself. in such a case, he has to think only about his own situation. i am sorry but i dont think that it is unethical. because, in this case, he still has some chance of going to phd and he does not have to think about anyone else.

so, i think, you shouldn't judge him so harshly...

If you read the original post, there are about 20 "I"s. I think the OP is only thinking of his or herself, and the consequences (s)he should rightfully face for accepting a spot and money, and then welching. Someone is not getting a spot and/or funding because of him/her.

[bobofett]

even though auctioner is accepted in a phd program and gets the job afterwards, when he refuses the PhD offer those resources will go to someone waitlisted, so no harm done to anyone

go for it, you have all the right to get this insurance, besides those contingent resources will be reallocated if you get the job. Good luck!

[confusedgrad]

I think the OP is only thinking of himself, and the consequences (s)he should rightfully face for accepting a spot and money, and then welching. Someone is not getting a spot and/or funding because of him/her.

what is wrong with only thinking of yourself? it would be unwise to decline the offer for an uncertain job offer.
the only problem here is asking for opinion in this forum for such a thing. there is no dilemma, the answer is already clear...

[blockRed]

even though auctioner is accepted in a phd program and gets the job afterwards, when he refuses the PhD offer those resources will go to someone waitlisted, so no harm done to anyone

Not true, and much less probable after April 15th. Again, if you read OP's post, (s)he has no intention of turning the institution down until the job is fully lined-up. For all we know, that could be July.

[confusedgrad]

even though auctioner is accepted in a phd program and gets the job afterwards, when he refuses the PhD offer those resources will go to someone waitlisted, so no harm done to anyone

go for it, you have all the right to get this insurance, besides those contingent resources will be reallocated if you get the job. Good luck!

+1 from me...