I know this is a strange question. As some of you know I got laid off last week and I am in the process of going through interviews. I work in commercial insurance in a very specialized division and as it turns out, quite a few companies interested who sought me out. (Not bragging here. Just trying to set the stage.)

So I had a good interview yesterday that has some good perks such as working from home and a built in book of business and a pension plan (which is pretty well unheard of now), etc. BUT they don't have enough to pay me what I have been making in the past and it will be commission only. It has the potential to be more but in the short-run, it could be a little dicey. AND I wanted to be able to take my assistant with me and they definitely won't do that (again they won't pay - the problem is they are in a small town about 2 1/2 hours away where they can hire folks for much less than what is the going rate in Dallas.) I am waiting on another offer that would be local company, pay more guaranteed salary (at least for first 2 years while I build my book of business) and will let me hire my assistant but could be higher pressure and more difficult to build the business.

OK, that was a long explanation to say that all I day, I have been trying to figure out what I want out of work - other than the obvious of money. I feel like work is actually a very social thing for me and I wonder if I will miss out by working at home. (I live alone...) I worry that leaving my assistant behind (who is also a great friend and has been my biggest support during this WLS journey) is letting her down. (She was offered another position in our company when my position was eliminated.) Anyway, I am rambling. I am just trying to sort out if there are enough benefits or if I will get enough out of the work from home job that makes up for the potential of less money in the first couple of years. I know I can do a pros and cons list but I am looking for more than that. You know, what is your purpose for working? What do you get out of it?

Not sure if all that makes sense. Just thinking out loud I guess.

@@Daisee68 - not a problem. I started on my own in 2004. Everything was fine until I made the mistake of sole sourcing a client and his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after I had closed off everything but his work. Opps. That sucked for him and my family. Now if I don't turn down three tempting offers a month I know I don't have enough in the pipeline. That's my rule. If I don't, then I know I need more marketing.

If you do something you really enjoy, obtain great satisfaction and get paid for it at the same time.

I can't wait to leave the house in the morning, knowing everyday is going to be different, challenging, and rewarding.

I am often asked what will I do when I retire....first I don't want to retire, I'm enjoying myself too much...but if I did, I would probably continue doing what I'm doing as a volunteer in various Children's Hospitals and clinics.

The idea of working definitely has advantages and disadvantages. People have already mentioned the advantages, and I agree with them all. There is something about the level of autonomy that comes with that sort of freedom that I think would make me very happy.

I do not have the opportunity to work remotely on a regular basis, but I love it on the rare occasion that I do. One thing I've noticed, though, is that I have a harder time staying on track with my diet. I tend to graze, and being at home makes it harder. I work in a corporate office, and thankfully, there is rarely food, so no temptation.

I used to think that eventually I would find a position that would allow me to work remotely, but I am starting to think it would be a bad idea because I fear I would gain all my weight back. In fact, I'm starting to think I may never retire for that reason!

And you thought this was not relevant to weight loss!

Either way, glad you have an offer. You could try it and see how it goes.