A method by a computing system implementing a node within a cluster of nodes to load balance among the cluster of nodes using retroactive refusal. Each of the nodes within the cluster of nodes is capable of processing work items. The method includes accepting a work item to be processed by the node, monitoring a resource utilization of the node, determining whether the resource utilization of the node exceeds a predetermined threshold, and retroactively refusing the work item in response to a determination that the resource utilization of the node exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the retroactive refusal causes the work item to be reassigned from the node to another node within the cluster of nodes.