I think you are right, just because it pops up doesn't mean that it is meant to be.

I'm going forward with the first job I didn't want (and still don't really) because I have no real good reason not to and she is a friend as well as a former boss. I quoted her a high hourly rate, sort of hoping that she'd say no, and she didn't blink.

I've thought about it some more, too. My reaction to the second job offer was very different. I'm looking forward to that one - it's more aligned with the kind of work I want to do.

Ten years ago I had a technical job that left me on call close to 24/7, 7 days a week. My next job I *was* on call 24/7 and all too often had to troubleshoot at 3 AM.

So now just the thought of another job that has anything to do systems or network administration leaves me cold - and wanting to run for the hills.