Thanks for that idea! What great timing, that you get to take a negotiating course just before you enter into negotiations yourself

It's amazing how reframing a problem helps us think about it in another way. You're right that I don't have an alternative back up plan in mind. If I did, I think I would have said no to this a long time ago. I would have said no to the contract work in the first place and run away screaming after that interview.

I am really tired of bad bosses. Why are so many bosses just awful to work for? I wish I knew how much of it was me and how much of it was them. Some people have a much easier time dealing with the workplace - I wish I were less sensitive or whatever it is that I am.

I hope that your conversation today goes well -- it would be so wonderful to work with people you click with!