Just chiming in that probation periods are fairly common here in the UK, I think every job I've had has had one (may be different in the 'elite' tier). Details

Just chiming in that probation periods are fairly common here in the UK, I think every job I've had has had one (may be different in the 'elite' tier). Details were generally they can let you go (and you can quit) with very short notice (a week or 2) occasionally also with restrictions on using vacation during probation. From an employer's point of view it makes sense since tech interviews are such a weak signal and outside of the US most countries have decent employee rights which make it hard to part ways with a poorly matched hire. In your situation it sounds more like the compensation is the stumbling block, but you should definitely get clarification on the exact details of the probation period.