Does Muppet dance for Jessica.

It's really a shame none of you have seen this in person. It goes best to "Rhythm of the Night".

Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

Lilty, sometimes things don't work out, there's no shame in that.

And, this place hired you with little to no management experience, so why shouldn't someone else, now that you have a little more?

I had a similar job in the summer of 2001 (May-October). It was the highest level and pay I'd had, but I was sick, sick, and miserable there. I felt like I was there for 5 years, instead of 5 months. I took a job that was a killer pay reduction, but the effect it had on my soul was so positive. I mean, that job sucked, too, for other reasons, but I didn't ever dread going into work.

Where I am now, is the job after that, and I was nervous indicating that I was only at the evil job for 5 months, but no one really asked about it.

Yo uhave to do what you need to do for your mental health. I don't think it makes you a quitter, and I don't think others (i.e., hiring managers) will either.

Also, this job wants a writing sample. I don't have the foggiest idea the best kind of thing to send.

Lilty, for a development position I'd try to send a sample either of persuasive writing, whether business writing or something you did for a class, or nonfiction storytelling--the kind of stuff you'd see in a newsletter from a nonprofit you've donated to.

Cereal:

Nora, I think the pay cut will be inevitable, especially if I'm looking at going back into non-profits. But at this point, I'd gladly take a second job again for just a couple of nights a week to offset that. Just go to Borders and spend ten hours a week shelving or at the register or something. It would seem like heaven.

Now I'm all twitchy and excited at the idea of actually doing this.

Nora, I've got another favor to ask you. E-mailing you as I type.

I hope it comes together for you, Lilty.

My job -- heck, my entire office -- currently has a sign with, "Don't Get Too Attached" on the door, in giant, flaming, invisible letters. We can't really see it, but we all know it's there.

Goodness, I hope community colleges are hiring English teachers this year. Or distance-learning teachers/coordinators -- I could do either one pretty well.

vw, backflung- no problemo.

You're the bestest!