> Also, they don't even have cubicles, they have workstations. It's an "open environment". They sit in groups of five or six at little circular clusters scattered around a big open floor. You're supposed to work with your back and desk and monitor and every move you make exposed to fifty other people. There's no privacy at all, or any way to avoid people who walk around or talk or (for example) crunch peanut M&Ms at 138 decibels. Yes, this is a senior position: I was told it makes things "equal" when everybody works in the same conditions. Yeah, sure, so why not give everybody an office with a door? I'm sorry, but there's no WAY I can get anything done like that.

I once worked in a place like that. I don't work there any longer.

My unsolicited advice: Get health insurance. If you can afford health insurance and food while on that ship, go for it.

This then is Practical Reason* Number Two to Get Married: 'Glom off your spouse's employee benefits.' Practical Reason Number One is 'Get wedding presents.'

If New Zealand is a nation that provides free or affordable health care for all its citizens, then go for the ship job. Otherwise, marry a cube-rat, get some neat appliances for your kitchen, and go for the ship job.

-Faux " * meaning 'practical reason not having anything to do with how the two people feel about each other" Pas