The job interview went well today. Really well, actually. I am concerned because there is now evidence (indicated by the occurrence of a sickly feeling in my belly whenever I think about being offered the position) to support that I might actually like and want this job. This is uncharted territory for me and I’m not sure how I should feel. I’d hate to get my hopes up, especially considering that the job, if offered to me, seems headed for a tough salary discussion.

If I use my typical negotiation strategy, I will painstakingly calculate the absolute minimum amount of money I need to make in order to live. I will leave no room for inevitable home repairs, emergencies or savings accounts. I will convince myself that eating 3 meals a day is for gluttonous sacks. Then, I will take that amount, subtract $5K, and feel guilty that I asked for so much.

They will of course hire me at that annual salary, as it will be well below market value. I will be livid that they undervalued me, even though they merely agreed to the number I set in front of them, and for the entire length of my employment I will tell myself that I will not put myself in this situation again.

Only, I will.

On an unrelated note: what the hell happened to the Chargers yesterday?? I feel like their depressing loss was somehow caused by the fearful energy emanating from the patrons of the sports bar where I watched the game, all of whom were dreading the possibility that San Diego would win and I’d be compelled to belt out the Super Chargers song at the top of my lungs (which, obviously, I totally would have).

Tags: Chargers, job search, salary negotiation strategy