…Because I have just fucked myself. I got a job offer last night for a review editor position at a good magazine, but the pay was a shade low. I made a counter-offer; the difference was all of $2,000, and I indicated I wanted the job anyway. The editor-ni-chief said he had to talk to his bosses, but he’d see what he could do.
I just got off the phone with him. He didn’t even ask the powers that be; he simply withdrew the entire job offer, claiming it wouldn’t work out, that I was conceited and arrogant, and he was going out on a limb for me by offering the job in the first place. I was the soul of reasonability and humility with this guy, I just wanted a little more money, which I can honestly say I needed and even deserved.
Making counter-offers is common and expected in this business. Now I am stuck in public relations, instead of on the editorial/publishing career track where I belong. By watching out for my best interests, I have fucked myself. Congratu-frigging-lations to me.
–Da Cap’n