I was laid off from my 10 year job about 2 months ago. The company said they couldn't afford to keep most of the staff, which was complete BS. I found out that they were really only trying to increase profits and had hired an consultant who told them that they could make things work with only 50% of their staff, and my department was on the chopping block.
It's been a stressful couple of months; unemployment is a joke where I live and I've been stressed beyond belief. However, I just got a job offer and things are looking up.
As soon as I accept the new job, my old boss calls me up out of the blue. Guess who can't figure out the huge hole in the company that was covered by my department? They initially offered me a short term contract (2 weeks) at nearly double my pay to come in and act as a consultant and I was considering it as I'm broke. However, I just talked to a former coworker who still has connections in the company, and he told me that no one can figure out the database I managed and the company is in chaos.
I received a formal offer via email and I just replied to it saying that I will come in and help, but I want $200/hr 6 month contract at 40 hours a week, which is as big a slap in the face as them firing me and my department to increase profits. I know that there's no way they can or will pay me that. It just feels good to pull a “fuck you” after being treated like shit!