Been at this company for about 3 years now. Had to take the 1st position under threat of being imprisoned. Really. Worked outside, cleaning and gassing cars for about 1.5 years, in weather extremes. Of course I applied for other jobs, but due to record, flamed out many times.

They then brought me inside, doing customer service (phone work, taking orders, resolving problems, dispatching drivers (we are a limo company, serving the 1%)). I actually liked most of that. Sure, the pay was bad, but that's not why I'm here, I'm here to stay out of jail.

My schedule was 4pm to 2am. At 1am, the master dispatcher arrived. He is evil. He enjoys causing pain. But I could handle him for an hour.

About 4 months ago they retrenched, cut my hours, moved my schedule from 2 to 10. Great. My only comment to my boss was fine with me, I'll never have to see evil guy again. Turns out he said the same thing about me.

A couple months ago they offered me a different position, basically 2nd assistant to the dispatcher. Which means I'd see him 4.5 hours a shift. Shift is 5:30 pm to 5:30 am, he comes in at 1am.

I hesitated, threw out a number I thought they wouldn't pay. I was right.

3 weeks ago they asked again, saying they would pay it. I said only if they got evil guy's approval. While he isn't my boss, he can make my life hell. They talked to him, got his approval. Shit. Then lowballed me.

No thanks.

A week later they agreed to my number. Shit.

I start tonight.

I could have stayed in current position. I created the number that made it worthwhile.

I also made a couple of demands on free days which made sure certain days off matched my wife's schedule. I also chose which group of people I wanted to work with since this is 4 days one week and 3 days the next, and we are grouped on "platoons". That made my boss juggle the other guy in this position to the alternative days, essentially forcing him to switch to the other platoon.

I made the decision on what was worthwhile, and now it is time to live up to my side of the bargain.

I've been doing it a few days now without the evil guy, he's been on vacation, so at least I've gotten comfortable with the responsibilities without the pressure of him being there.

This job is pure multitasking. And I suck at that. So does everyone else, but at least I know it and have mitigation strategies. It's been fun.