I'm Already Amazing, Thank You

Last year I ended a 23-year career in state government to pursue writing full-time.  With my husband's encouragement and support, I am working on my first novel and writing every day.  It's wonderful to do something you really love, and neither he nor I regrets the decision I made to quit.In November, I wondered if we could continue to live comfortably on just his income, and thought perhaps I should work part-time, just to have a little extra money (in November, thoughts turn to higher heating bills and Christmas expenses).  So I contacted a colleague who runs a temporary-placement agency and told him I was looking for some part-time work.  In my previous life I investigated white-collar crimes (and still hold the credential of a Certified Fraud Examiner).  I found the work very fulfilling, especially when it led to the prosecution of a fraudster.  But because I want to concentrate on my writing, I requested work that would be less intense.  Two weeks later, he called me with a position.  After describing the company and the nature of the assignment, I confirmed that it was part-time work (the office was located about twenty minutes from home, but you know, in Rhode Island that's like a cross-country trip).  Ah, he told me no, this was full-time work, so I declined.  Then he said he might have another position.  It wasn't definite, and then, with a giggle (yes, he actually giggled), he said he wasn't sure if I'd want to work there.  Engage radar."So, why did you laugh when you said that?" I asked."Um, well, it's just that, coming from your background..."  and he asked me if I'd ever heard of a certain adult-entertainment chain of stores."I'm familiar with them, from the outside."  More nervous laughter - from him, not me.  I waited.  He told me that the company did millions in business (no kidding) and that they really could use some help in human resources.  Not that I ever thought I'd be their pick for behind-the-sales-counter.  He asked me to think about it.And I did think about it.  I thought about how I would tell my husband, my sisters, my father-in-law, my friends, my law-enforcement colleagues, my dear priest friend, how I could tell them all about my new part-time job.  Or would I be so ashamed that I wouldn't tell anyone except my husband?  I may have spent a lot of years not loving some of the jobs I've held, but I've never ever been ashamed of them.Look, I'm not saying they're doing anything illegal.  The adult-entertainment industry rakes in over $12 billion a year (that was in 2007).  Porn is big business.  Some organizations have underworld ties.  Some, not all.So it was a personal decision.  And this one was amazingly easy.