I Just Turned Down a 60K/Yr Job in this Economy - Am I Crazy?

I've been without a formal 9-5 job since mid-January 2009 thanks to the economy. It was really heartbreaking for me because it was the second time in 11 months that I had been laid off (that's what I get for going with another "dot com". However, once I was let go from my last place, my boss asked me if I wanted to start writing articles for some of his business associates in the search engine optimization and Internet marketing world. I thought I'd give it a shot, so I said yes.

New Career Phase
In no time at all, I was writing articles, working from home, and enjoying lots of new knowledge. I've written about everything from green screen technology and employment screening to stock market trading and teapots. It amazes me that I can research a subject and write about and get paid to do something I love. I even started my own business helping other women business owners with learning about Internet Marketing, SEO, and working from home. For many women, with work and a family, there's no time left to properly concentrate on getting your business' vision communicated effectively to your potential customers. Being a woman myself, I know the challenges and wanted to help. Plus, for women who need to stay home and don't have a dime to invest...there are several great (and totally free) ways to do this.

The Job Interview Yesterday
No joke, this just happened yesterday...I applied to a job because I have been open to the possibility of getting full time work. I came in and met the company's customer service team and was eventually offered the job later in the interview. I asked the owner what hours would he need from me. He nonchalantly told me it would be 9 to 6 or 7. Here's the problem with that...I have 3 children, am married, and want to be there at night to have dinner with my family (plus, I am the only one who knows how to cook in the house). Keep in mind that this position was to run their customer service department...read on.

The Deciding Factor
Once I politely told the boss that those hours wouldn't work for me and I would need to come in at 7 or 7:30 and work until 4, he told me, "Absolutely not. The reps stay here until 6 or 7 and you should be here too to set a good example." My response was, "Sure, I want to do that too, but I have a family and it's important to me that I am home at a decent time to fix dinner for my kids and have at least a little time with them every evening." Guess what he said????? "Well, I guess they're going to have to learn how to cook, huh?! They're teenagers, right? Teach 'em how to make mac n' cheese." He then proceeded to tell me that he didn't like it, but he would "allow me" to leave at 4:30. Seems nice and flexible, right? Just after that, he added, "But expect to work late 1 or 2 nights a week." What's the point of telling me I can leave at 4:30 if I really won't be leaving at that time?

The Answer is a Resounding "NO"
I think that his answer was callous and I cannot and will not work for someone who places ZERO value on family. How can I expect him to understand when someone is sick at home and needs to go to the doctor? How about when my kids get awards at school or have choir performances midday? No thank you, mister COO; no thank you to the great pay, free lunches, and your fancy office. AND...No thank you to the 2 hour drive home because I can't leave before the hellish traffic on the 91 freeway, no thank you to your inflexible attitude, and no thank you to missing half the week with my family! There...I said it. And you know what? Though my answer was simply "I don't think this job is right for me considering my long drive and family issues," he didn't have the decency to reply to my email.

God Does Work in Mysterious Ways
It's all good though because I prayed for clarity about what to do the night beforehand...and I got my answer! I rolled up to the house, so mad about how it turned out and just knowing it wouldn't be right for me and sad to turn down the money...and I got on my laptop and received an instant message 2 seconds later from one of my clients whom I write for. She was asking me if I would like to start doing project management for her. "Coincidentally, she would be able to pay me the exact dollar amount I needed to cover our grocery bill each week! This amount was precisely what my husband had told me we needed just after I had the interview and told him how it went. Wow, God is so good to give me such a direct answer during such a confusing time. Money can cloud anyone's judgment, but when God makes it that boldly clear, you can't turn your back on that!