No matter what I chose, I cannot win

[TheSHAD0W]

If I'm going to work a job just for the sake of having a job, I can find that in Reno... with a spotless criminal record I can work in a casino if I want.

Yup, and with a work card you'd likely beat the $16/hr from that other employer right off the bat. If you haven't already applied for the card, I recommend you do so ASAP. Even if a job doesn't require it, a potential employer will smile upon seeing it.

[Seshat]

I think that the decision I'm going to make is to turn down the job. If I'm going to work a job just for the sake of having a job, I can find that in Reno... with a spotless criminal record I can work in a casino if I want.

Good for you!

Get a job just to have a job in a place where you can enjoy living; and spend some time every day searching for the job you'll love.

Worst case, you'll be somewhere you enjoy living, in a job that's tolerable. Rather than somewhere you hate living, in a job that's tolerable.

[smileyeagle1021]

Good for you!

Get a job just to have a job in a place where you can enjoy living; and spend some time every day searching for the job you'll love.

Worst case, you'll be somewhere you enjoy living, in a job that's tolerable. Rather than somewhere you hate living, in a job that's tolerable.

Or worse, somewhere I hate with a job I hate

[wolfie]

I'd like to add something to what Jester mentioned in his first post: "At-will" employment is a double-edged sword. While the company can fire you any time they want (remember, this is a soft offer from a company that already withdrew a hard offer), you can quit any time you want. As for the loyalty issue, To Thine Own Self Be True - all others can pound sand.