How to decline without burning bridges

I have been through several rounds of interviews and expressed interest in the position. For anonymity I’m not going to give detail on the job but it’s something I initially thought I wanted but have since discussed with a mentor and realized its ultimately not for me. The firm wants me back for a final round interview and I’d feel horrible dragging them on knowing I wouldn’t accept an offer regardless. Great firm and a great group of people that I’ve spoken with so far, just not the specific job for me. I would however like to apply to the firm again if the right opportunity comes up. How do I end this current process without burning bridges? I feel terrible for doing this because I expressed great interest in the position but spent the weekend digesting it and changed my mind.

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It's your life and you need to do what works for you. Just express that while you love the firm, after thinking deeply about the opportunity, it isn't for you at this point in time and that you have decided you want your career to go in the direction of x. Just because you've spent weeks expressing interest in the role doesn't mean you should feel bad - the interview process is a process of exploration. They have spent weeks interviewing other candidates too - do you really think they will feel bad nixing you if they decided it wasn't the right fit for them? 

 

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