Well, I got a message on my Voice Mail late Friday saying that the big company I interviewed with has an offer for me.

Problem I have is that they've been particularly cheap in their offers to others. Very big drug company.

My concern is that I took a 10% cut 2 weeks ago, and another 10% in 2001. If they ask for another 10%-15%, then we'll have to give up just about everything but groceries, gas, electric, and mortgage. If I take it.

I'm currently employed, but things aren't looking so hot for our company. Three layoff rounds in 7 months I've worked there. We only have 4 developers left.

I literally have nothing else in the works. I would seriously love it if someone else would "get interested", but it appears that isn't going to happen soon.

So, I'm left living with the 10% cut, staying where I am, and taking my chances.

Or probably take another 10% cut, and get with a large "stable" company. And "get back to the basics of life". Back to what I was making in 1997, six years ago.

Thoughts?

Glen Austin

It was not a good day for my blood pressure. I gave my notice, then as I was going to lunch to fill out the new job's paperwork, my wife called.

She was having major stomach cramps to the point I was about ready to break the appointment and take her to the hospital. She told me to keep my appointment. I called her back after the appointment, and she was doing a little better. She told me to go back to work.

Then, I called her about 2 hours later and she was quite a bit better.

I was concerned because she's been having some abdominal pains since her ERCP a year ago to remove stones. She's already had her gall bladder out AND the ERCP to remove stones a second time. Also, she hasn't pooped in two days. She had a friend die recently of Pancreatic Cancer and she's really scared that she might have it (too much medical reading and schoolwork, IMHO).

So, I just about had a panic attack.

Earlier, when I gave notice, my boss started to prepare a counter-offer, when the CEO came in and stopped it. He said that my mind was already made up, it didn't sound like I was "on the fence".

The strange thing is that my boss and CEO both told me that my leaving was a "good decision". They gave me lots of compliments and are going to let me take the remainder of my vacation next week for Thanksgiving.

I guess it's better for me to do this than for them to "do it" to me. I'll miss my co-workers, but I do feel that the company is in trouble and it's time to move on.

The CEO wanted to try to tell me that the VC guys were prepared to put more money in the company and "be patient" for results, but I really think that if the company doesn't get some sales by year-end, it's probably over.

December is going to be a very interesting month.

Glen Austin

They want pretty extensive turnover on the system I developed, two days of training, complete document.

I've supposed to have the doc tomorrow morning, but there's no freakin' way, 'cause I'm already exhausted, got less than 6 hours of sleep last night.

It's 9pm and I'm about to pass out. Maybe I'll get up at 5am and work it some before I head off to work.

Glen Austin