I know it's hard -- I lost my last "good" job (i.e., one that paid well) in 2001 and finally had to take one that dropped my salary by 1/3. I haven't ever recovered.

It's hard validating yourself, too. Before I went to the interview for the job I have now, I had a total meltdown in the parking lot, major crisis of confidence -- the old OMG, what am I doing here, who am I kidding, I can't really do this job, etc. I left a message for my ex-boss (who was always free with the compliments about my skills), took a deep breath, marched in there and faked being confident, and they loved me. Go figure.

If I could figure out how to be that nice to myself on a regular basis, I would write a bestseller and make a zillion dollars. If you figure it out before I do, let me know!

As for whether you should take one that pays a lot less -- depends on a lot of things, such as how bad you need the money and how many opportunities there are in your area. Maybe sit down with a piece of paper and make a pros and cons list?

Good luck -- I'm rooting for you.

CB