Oh wow... Hvert, I'm sorry that they're making this so hard on you! Wow... it's just, as you mentioned, so strange considering they want you to start immediately, they're having such huge problems with their systems, and are getting ready to staff up for a project. Just crazy.

So, they're offering you a *salary* for a certain number of days/hours? I'd just be worried that with this company, and this guy as your boss, that you'll run into a lot of extra work, extra hours, but no extra pay because, you know, "you're salary". Just something to look out for.

What are you thinking you're going to do? Any room to push back on the salary, or to try to get some benefits worked in? If they're not including benefits, can you still use your negotiation tactic, "I need to pay for health insurance, this isn't going to cut it"?

I think the writing was kind of on the wall with this one, especially when you mentioned that they don't really value the skills that you're bringing to the table and they see IT as a cost center? It just seems like... gosh, I'm sorry to even say this, it seems like it might be a bit brutal and soul-killing to go work there I don't know, I mean, the part time thing is great, if they're actually paying you a decent, fair amount for the work you're doing (?) but I'm still assuming that you're working for the crazy guy, and that they still want to "hide" you from corporate which just raises red flags to me!

On the other hand, if you feel like you need the job to get some income coming in and to put on your resume... I don't think anyone can fault you for that.

The details of the offer coming through late on Thursday though, and expecting you to start Monday (along with everything else that has happened with them while interviewing) which just really worry me... like I said, I wouldn't expect them to act any better once you're actually an employee!

Good luck with that decision, and sorry they didn't make a better offer!

And, *argh*. I fell last night and twisted my ankle (and bruised/scraped up one knee, and bruised a wrist). I just feel icky. I'm trying to keep up with work stuff, but I just want to sleep for awhile. So not fun.

My friend had emailed me, and wanted me to call her... I told her I could do it last Monday, and tried, but she didn't pick up. I've emailed her, and no response. I'm hoping she's ok... last I heard her whole family had been sick, including pets, from the cross-country move! I'm hoping things are OK out there... Still nothing from the other woman, and I'm sort of feeling... you know, not very motivated to follow up on it. It's terrible, but I don't know, I think between therapy and the fall and just plain old life issues (mom!) I'm a little *tired* - you know?

Good luck with your decision, and with doing some more negotiating if you go that route!