How can I back out of a job offer without burning a bridge?

[Bysin21]

I was offered a job that I accepted for a little bit of more money. Just 5k more. But as stressful as my current role is there are some significant benefits to staying. The other job seems to be less stressful.

I have been thinking of backing out of my acceptance. However, I want to do so professionally. I thought about just saying when I gave my resignation with my current employer that they counter offered and I have decided to stay and try to grow more with my current organization. Would this be a negative thing to say or do? Has anyone else ever backed out of a job acceptance?

[caring__1]

First off, ask yourself your reasons for wanting to back out of this job offer. Are you just afraid of the unknown, or have you weighed out the pros and cons of each and decided your present situation makes more sense? If it's just fear of the unknown, learn all you can, so you can limit the unknown. Never hold yourself back due to fear. You'll always regret it. If your present situation makes more sense, then that's what you want to tell the person who offered you the job. Never lie, for if you choose to go to that company in the future and they discover the lie, it can be held against you. You can say you have a lot on your plate right now (you don't need to go into detail), and you believe learning what is required for the new job will add an amount of stress that might make it hard for you to be the employee you choose to be. Say, "When I can give you my all and be an asset to your company, I hope I can reconnect with you. I'm honored by your offer and your belief in me, and I hope I can live up to what you see in me. Thank you for your consideration."

[abc3643]

Let me get this straight:

OLD JOB: Less money, more stress
NEW JOB: More money (*), less stress

Seems the answer is clear.

(*) "Just 5k$" is nothing to scoff. $5000 is a year's worth of car payments or mortgage payments for me. So, that extra $5000 is like someone is paying my mortgage for me for free.
$5000 is $5000 and that's $100/week. That's groceries and gas...

[In_Trance]

you can't. you'll never be considered by them again