Hello-been a long time since I've been on here but need expert advice-or any advice at all!

I was recently laid off from my last position. During my job search thereafter, I have been working mainly through job recruiting/consulting companies (I've updated my resume and posted it on various career sites, and they are the only companies that have contacted me directly throughout my search).

I was desperate for a new job/career as I have a family and home to maintain solely on my own.

With that being said, I was finally offered a position that pays a little less than what I was making at my last position before being laid off. During that time, I accepted the position because I wasn't getting additional recognition or opportunities anywhere else.

During this transition, literally just today as a matter of fact, I was offered a position from a more reputable company with higher pay-that I had interviewed a few weeks prior back.

How do I respectfully decline the other position offered through a separate consultant company that I had accepted? I have never been so excited and felt so bad at the same time! Please let me know if additional details are needed and thank you for your time!

Don't beat yourself up for this. Be glad you are marketable in that more than one company wants your services. The losing company hasn't invested much of anything in you yet and you haven't invested any time in them.

Weigh your options carefully. The grass isn't always greener with more money.

Be honest. Tell them you have another offer that better meets your professional goals. Handle it carefully and with dignity so the fallout from the original company might be lessened.

I agree; tell the truth in 1 or 2 concise sentences. Employers change their minds too. And even if you went in and filled out paperwork, employees are not bound by contract.