Is it bad that I hesitated to apply for a job because it's near my mother?

No.

Love that P-C was the first to answer that question, but I agree.

What Laura said.

Also, wrt your salary expectations, I'd tend to say one's better valuing oneself highly, 'cause they take their cues from you. Of course, it's not something I'm good at doing myself, at all, but I know it works. (Although - economic downturn. Huh.)

...okay, my helpful advice isn't helpful. I'm like a broken lolcat.

So my day has pretty much sucked rocks.

About two months ago, things were not going well at work - my position was *not* a good fit, it turns out. But, my in our heart to heart, my boss said, "Look, you've invested in us just as we've invested in you. We don't want to lose your talents. So we want to transition you into a more administrative assistant role for me and Other Exec Director." I said, "Yeah. Sure. Let's go."

And, I love it. It does play more to my strengths, and I like what I'm doing. Today, Boss comes into the office I share with the other Exec Director and starts of the conversation apologizing. I, of course, panic. I'm about to get fired, I know it. Turns out, I wasn't fired, but they FORGOT (her word, not mine) to not only tell me, but to put through the $4500 PER YEAR SALARY REDUCTION. They aren't making it retroactive, but it will start on Friday.

WHAT THE FUCK????

I stared at her for a full 5 minutes wihtout saying anything, which totally unnerved her, and she kept apologizing. I said, "Ok." and she left.

I'm trying to concentrate on the good - I have a job that pays enough to support us so long as Joe gets unemployment, I have full benefits for the whole family that I don't pay a penny for, I like my job. I'm VERY lucky to have all of these things. But Jeebus Christmas. How do you NOT tell someone, "And with this new position comes a HUGE paycut." at the time of the transition and then proceed to forget to tell that someone for TWO MONTHS?????????

And I'm paranoid enough to worry that they are trying to drive me to quitting.

Aims, maybe they didn't forget, but spent this time trying convince corporate not to make the pay cut.

Hmm, too optimistic?

She FORGOT? Sorry, that's bullshit. Someone is lying to you. I don't think they're trying to get you to quit, but someone dropped a ball somewhere, and they're covering their asses.

Damn, Aims, that sucks! Sorry.

And I'm paranoid enough to worry that they are trying to drive me to quitting.

Not knowing anything about them, I'm inclined to think they're just not fully competent, and they really did forget. Or else with the economy, they've had to tighten their budget, and just realized they're paying more for your current position than they want to, so maybe the "we forgot" is only somewhat true....

wow - that's totally awful

eta: and I agree. No one "forgets" that sort of thing.

There is no corporate, there is only Zool. We're a very small non-profit. What she also told me was that when they were going to advertise the position (which is new - they've never had an Admin Asst before) they were going to advertise it for X. I was making Y. Basically, they split the difference.

I don't know. With everything else, this almost undid me.