Refusing job offers (while unemployed) because pay is insulting?

stubborn.

There's a reason why the old saying, "Pride goeth before a fall" exists. Guys like your friend is that reason.

Sometimes you've just got to do what you can to survive until the situation improves.

The economy is really bad. There are a lot of people that have had to lower their standards in order to find a job. Eventually it may get to the point where he won't be able to find a job, even at the pay rate that has been offered to him so far.

The situations sounds a bit funny. A dentist losing his practise....I require an explanation.

Is it all some kind of sham so he can collect unemployment and take a year-long vacation? Or did he do something really, really bad....?

He ought to move somewhere where dentists are in high demand, I guess, so he can be the HNIC again like he wants.

I don't exactly get his line of thinking, if he's asking for a job, he's expecting to be the boss upon hire? I can see how he might be hesitant to take a lower paying job, but damn, a day will come when he's going to really NEED the job so, if I were him, I'd get employed before that happens. He might end up working at McDonalds if he waits till he's absolutely desperate. And he could always look for work while he's under-employed, it always seems easier to find work when you're already working and not desperate.

Ask him if being homeless is better than pride.

I graduated from a languages degree in July 2012. The first job I've managed to find - which I got in March 2013 - was at a theme park.

It might not be the highest pay in the world and the commute is about 2 hours... but it's work and in these tough times I just took what I could get.

He needs to take the bull by the horns, and take a damn job. He can rise up from there. Sometimes managers are impressed by those who are willing to tough out the less desirable positions.

if hes got enough saved up that he can afford to be without a job for a little longer then good for him. but if he is leeching off someone. that is a totally different story.

Can he afford his pride?

If he can afford to not take them then by all means reject away. But why doesn't he just take a job and keep looking for a better one?

Better to have grimy hands and eat then die with clean ones.

If he is broke, then he's being silly, but if he's not, then I think he's right.

It's always easier to get a job when you're already in a job!

You are familiar with 'business speak' and are not desperate at the interviews coz you already have a wage - no matter how small.

Your pal is an idiot, he'd rather say that he's unemployed than working for a company.

He feels as though he would look bad if he had a low income. Hah. That's just silly. I was willing to take whatever I could just so I can afford a place to live not too long ago. The pay isn't amazing, but it's better than living on the street!
He needs to get over himself. Sure it's not because of the money but his standards seem too high. He shouldn't care about how much he's making if he likes his job.

obviously he hasn't reached the bottom of the barrel yet. if he's able to remain unemployed and still take care of himself for the time being, then I think it's okay for him to hold out for something he really wants.

Your friend isn't completely "wrong" or unreasonable, and here's why:

Though some here have expounded the conventional "wisdom" that your friend (and anyone else) should "just take anything," that's not a good idea because if you take a position with lesser responsibilities and pay, future employers and colleagues will perceive you as having low esteem, few goals, and fair game for exploitation.

In other words, it will take you a long time to recoup lost ground in terms of career advancement and salary if you "settle."

On the one hand, HR types tell us being unemployed is "bad," but they don't tell you that settling marks you easy prey to be underpaid and overworked. And, with millions of Americans unable to find work through no fault of their own, the pressure to "just take anything" is stronger than ever. But, it has a cost occupationally for your career. You don't get away unscathed if you do this, and undervaluing your skills and credentials now can be a problem later.

Food for thought.

How does he even pay the bills then?

He's the most virtuous dentist I've ever known. Sigh...

I'd do exactly the same thing.

Until you have been in his shoes you have no idea what it feels like and shouldn't judge.