>The job is W-2 and guaranteed for 12 months
>
>Is that guarantee VERBAL or WRITTEN? If it is written, without vaugue disclaimers, then perhaps, otherwise she is glad-handing you. Forget it.

You're the second person to mention that, so I suppose I should rephrase. The contract is for 12 months, with a possibility of renewal, as opposed to a shorter term. No absolute guarantee was mentioned, only the term of the contract.

>For the most part, I'm a low risk person, so I'm not sure what I want to do. We did work out a rate that seemed to cover the extra risk and lower benefits I would receive, while still providing a decent income increase. Also, my current company's financial situation is still shaky. What do you think?
>
>You will have to assess the stability of your current employer over the next 12 months. If they are a public company go to the SEC site and look at their latest Q10. That will contain full disclosure. If they are not public, and they are shakey, watch the managers/owners above you. If they are nervous, be nervous. If they suddenly change from being nervous to being happy, with a somewhat distached attitude toward their work, they've already signedsold with/to someone else.
>
>Depending in the strength of that 12 month guarantee, it is a 50-50 chance. Flip your coin and take your chances. If neither seems too stable it's time to brush up your resume and start networking.

As far as the current company goes, it's very small and I think my position with my boss is rock solid. They have been very open with us about the financial situation. Basically, if they don't get paid, I don't get paid. So, each paycheck we have to hope that the next client check is coming in or a software sale has occurred. Other than that minor annoyance <g>, it's a great place to work. "Either case presents risk." The contract position portends to pay more for the known risk, whereas the current position offers potential permanence if I ride out the hard times. Decisions, decisions, decisions. If anyone has a crystal ball I can borrow, it would make things much easier. <g>