Not even sure where to begin here - they made me permanent this week and I still feel like what choice did I have?  Seriously, though, with the economy as bad as it is, how can one say no to a job?  The down side is rather than coming on board as a direct hire where I would have been able to look over the salary, benefits, work requirements, etc., I wasn't able to see any of that when I was placed temporarily, so now I am stuck with whatever they give me or I am out of a job. 

I did negotiate the salary a bit only because I told the manager I support what range I was looking for and he made HR give it to me.  I'm still not 100% sure if it will be enough to get my own place and not have to work a second job but we'll see by the end of the month when I get the first check after taxes. 

The unfortunate thing is we are heading in to tax season so staying late and mandatory Saturdays are things in my future, so I'm not sure I could work p/t anyways.  I'd certainly not like this unpredictable schedule to interfere with things, as I already see it doing.  By the time I get home at night and eat dinner, if I want to exercise even briefly and get a shower in, it's already late.  What if I wanted to meet a friend for dinner or start playing hockey?  I don't think I would have to work long hours after work but even 30 min. makes a difference in my evening. 

The health benefits sound ok but won't start until March.  The PTO is terrible for a large corporation.  And let's not forget I've still not had any real training (I see it coming because they need me to help in the busy season) because the woman that is supposed to work with me has missed time due to health concerns and is now going to be out for surgery.   I don't love the stressful work environment and my tyrant boss makes matters worse.  He is always yelling at his staff; I can't believe they put up with it but most of the managers yell back. 

I really can't see myself being happy there but I hate to keep job searching and trying to fit in interviews.  I was really hoping to settle in a decent paying job that I liked so I could settle in other areas of my life as well.  I need benefits to take care of my allergies and asthma, which would help with being able to exercise and getting therapy (counseling).  What alternatives do I have at this point?