So I got a ping from a recruiter, and I said I would talk to him, and then he emailed me the position description. And the job's in San Rafael, which would be a 25+ mile commute in heavy traffic each way. With no really feasible transit options.

So I said no, which felt weird.

I'm also having another phone interview tomorrow with the guys I spoke with on Friday. I think I need to come up with my requirements. This job would probably be a lot of hours and pretty stressful, but I wouldn't have to do marketing and I wouldn't be micromanaged. But the client's described as "difficult" and my understanding is the firm doesn't pay competitive salaries.

So I'm not sure how to play this, but on the other hand I don't know that I'll get an offer, either. If I do get an offer, it's pretty sure to be a pay cut. Do I take a pay cut for a job with a lot of stress and a lot of hours? Knowing that the job I'm in now will absolutely be ending within the next 3-6 months?

Oy.

Since you are this far along, do the interviews and do your best to get the offer. Meanwhile, decide on the following:

1) That you don't want the job at any price or

2) That you want the job if they will offer x in salary, y in benefits (including z in time off to compensate for the stress).

If your decision is 1, decline the offer, but at least you get the satisfaction of knowing you had an offer.

If you decision is 2, then stick to your conditions. If they meet your conditions (whatever they are) take the job. If they don't meet your conditions then you have decided it is not worth it. Even if the decision is 2, you must not accept anything below the minimum you decide upon. It sounds like this job comes with pain. So be prepared to walk away if they are prepared to give you compensation that makes the pain bearable.

I'm not going to advise you on 1 vs 2., but if you decide to take the job, have a bottom and line and only take it if their offer meets your requirements.

Also, type corrected but how the hell did I type "and hour" for "an offer"? No voice to text electronic software involved. 100% my brain.

I picked up some books from the dollar rack at a used book store to help stock the nearby little-free-library. Amy Tan, John Irving, Emily Bronte, Margaret Atwood, D.H. Lawrence, Gregory Maguire, Dan Brown, and a couple of Clarion collections. That's a pretty good variety, right?

That's a great idea, aurelia! And, yes, a nice variety of books.

Aw, I love little free libraries!

Fall in New England is pretty great, and I did it UP this afternoon. Gorgeous weather, turning leaves, apple picking, cider donuts -- the motherfucking WORKS!

That sounds delightful, Jesse.

I dropped off the books. There was nothing but a single magazine in there.

Nicely done, aurelia. And Jesse.

No idea what you should do, Consuela, but I would like for you to have some options. Good luck.

What -t said, Consuela. All kinds of job~ma, either way.

That sounds like a great collection, aurelia!

Jesse, I'm envious. Add "carved a pumpkin" and you would have reached New England Fall Nirvana, I think.

It's true. Pumpkin has to wait until next weekend, though.