Hmm.

I am not sure what to think.

I have a clearer picture of what these people want - which is still sort of vague but perhaps not the nightmare I imagined. I can work a part time schedule for a while.

I messed up in not naming a price. My friend had to leave the room and I felt uncomfortable having that conversation without her, especially given that I know they balked when other people asked for what I would be asking for. So it ended on a weird note.

They are likable, even the person who has been annoying me, but they have no trust in IT. The owner had a more humorous way of putting it than the guy I first interviewed with. That guy was much better behaved than he was last time.

I am back to not knowing what my next step is. The thought of committing to a day job makes me sick to my stomach, but I feel like I don't really have many other options. Why did I not start aggressively pursuing other options when I started this thread?

They want me to come in to meet with more people if I am interested.

They don't seem to want me to do contracting - they want to prorate a salary.

I think the most disturbing part of the conversation was when the owner said that it would be a growth opportunity to become part of the IT department at the parent company. I don't see that as a growth opportunity. I would rather be in charge of something at a small company than an underling at a large company.

Random, scattered thoughts. I kind of want a break from this. It's very frustrating. I have so many people telling me that I should just take this but I just don't want to. I still can't tell if the not wanting to is delusional or reasonable.