Is it worth two in the bush?

Is it worth taking a job that comes with a pay cut and/or less responsibility? How about one that is essentially the same as the job you had at the beginning of your career – sixteen years ago?

What if it comes with the ability to work from home with someone you like and respect and know you can work with?  Even if, occasionally, there is a 150-minute (each way) commute?

Not too long ago, I received an email from an ex-boss.  After he was laid off – nearly two years ago – he landed a top job at a small company here in the state.  It’s a perfect position for him.  He went from being a little fish in a big pond to the biggest fish in a puddle.  He runs the show.

He wondered whether I was interested in a position his company had open.  In his email, he said, “I know it’s probably not what you’re looking for, and there’s no way we can pay what you were getting at X-Company, but we really need someone who can kick these people into gear – so I thought of you.”

I let him know that I’d be happy to discuss the opening with him.  And then I waited.  And waited.  It was two weeks before I got a phone call.   Forty minutes later of conversation later, I created this list of pros and cons.