[brewer12345]

Well, I took the job. I spoke to them again today and they bumped up their base offer by 12%. Since I know full well that it was a good-faith effort on their part and that I was not going to get more, I verbally accepted. The bottom line is that the base is now decently livable, and the real upside is in the annual bonus. Even without the bonus, I am about 10% to the good vs. my current comp, and if the bonus is anything like I have been lead to believe, wowza... If it doesn't work out, then I am better off than if I stayed where I am and there is no law that says I can't go elsewhere.

I will not be quitting the current gig until I get it in writing (tomorrow, I expect). I am hoping like hell that they give me my check and tell me to get out. Maybe I will finally spill the beans as to who my current/former employer is/was at that point.