but not taking it meant abandoning responsibilites to feed, house, and clothe their families

Not really, it meant they'd have to find another way to feed, house and clothe their families

There are other jobs, did they even try looking? Did they even offer ANY resistance at all?

Yeah maybe it won't be such a prestigious company, maybe it won't be such a prestigious position, maybe the salary won't be as high and the family will have to adapt.

It's not easy, but it's a choice, and it takes courage to make it, they didn't have it.