This was the worst experience I ever had at a job interview by an executive by far. He liked my experience but he had concerns over my job hopping. If he really wanted my experience, he should have just dealt with the fact that I had a jumpy history. Or not engaged at all. If he was a great manager, he really wouldn't have had to worry about me leaving. Instead, he grilled me throughout the interview seeking reasons on why I left so many positions. He must have lead a sheltered life where he never had to deal with bad managers. I was literally scarred from a past startup jobs where I was screamed at and used as a whipping boy. All he saw was the fact that I couldn't commit to a job versus having had bad experiences from past startup jobs where there was bad management.
I was contacted by the recruiter for this job throughout 3 months because this indecisive executive couldn't make up his mind. At the beginning, I offered to take a $10k cut and prove I could stay for a year and agreed to a $10k bonus at year end. The recruiter mentioned I had all the skills he was looking for but still had reservations on my job hopping. The CEO added insult to injury by offering $10k less than the minimum salary amount posted and mentioned I could get that amount based on performance at year end. I declined his offer.
It seemed he wanted to play on my supposed desperation for a job. Thankfully, I was living back with my mom and didn't have any bills to pay. I already had a part time job which was more than enough to get me by until I found a better job. One I did find at a prestigious banking company who paid more as a contractor and they loved my work enough to offer a permanent spot. All without any judgement on my past.
So glad I declined this job with my dignity intact. And it definitely is true that success is the best revenge.