officewiz - thought provoking - thanks

You have made an excellent point about being happy and inspired laying the foundation for your future, etc.
Obviously the salary offered comes into your final decision (maybe take a little less than you would ideally like - as long as bills are covered with perhaps a little over) but the salary side of things should not always be the main decision in whether you take a job or not.
Of course everyone has different circumstances and sometimes you have to take a job at a certain time for the money but if you are ever in the position of being able to choose, think carefully.