Dilemma

[Kevin Scott Feeman <kevinf -at- PRIMENET -dot- COM>]

Gang, I have a technical writing dilemma that I need advice on.  Right now,
I am a consultant for a company.  My last contract ran out Dec. 31, 1997
and since then I have been on bench time.  I am getting paid my same salary
as if I was working.  But after five weeks, no strong leads of interviews
for jobs at my present consulting company have come in.  The company seems
to be dragging their feet in finding me another position.  I have been told
many times that the company that I work for has never laid anyone off from
the bench.  I have been told that I shouldn't worry about it and that I
will still get a paycheck and will not be laid off.  However, I don't want
to be the first in the history of the company to be laid off so I have sent
feelers out for other positions with other companies.  I received an
interview with a company via another consulting company.  The company that
I interviewed wants to extend an offer.  I am not sure what to do.  I have
had 5 jobs in 5 years, three I left to go to better positions and two I had
no choice to leave.   I don't want my resume to look like I switch jobs
once a year.  I also don't want to feel like I am cheating my present
employer.  I also like my present employer and would hate to leave, but I
also have the desire to work.  I don't want my skills and abilities to
degenerate.  Has anyone else been in a similar position? Should I take this
new position?  Does anyone have advice?  Should I take this newly offered
position just because it is a job?  I need some advice from peers.  Please
respond to me privately.  Any advice would be helpful.  Thanks in advice.

Sincerely, Kevin