Just got a call out of the blue (and after business hours) about some technical writing work. The guy sounded grumpy from the start, but I heard him out. He described the job, and then just stopped talking. I could be mistaken, but I'm almost certain there was no question posed. He just stopped. I stumbled for a bit to figure out what he wanted me to say, but then he accused me of attempting to "spar" with him. I tried to be as conciliatory as possible, but he continued to respond to this with near hostility, and the accusation of sparring came up again.

At this point, I was fed up with the guy, but I pressed on, because work is work. Then he gave me this: "Do you always answer a question with a question?" Well, yeah, when I don't understand the question. What I said to him was, "I'm not sure I understand what you're looking for from me here." (Which, technically, isn't a question.) I don't think any reasonable human being would see that as being argumentative, merely confused. He finally offered me up a solid, recognizable question: "Does this sound like something you're interested in?" I didn't even have to think about it. Not if it means working with you.

(Actually, what I said was, "I don't think this would work." Which was far more polite than I wanted to be, and nicer than he was giving me.)

The job, technical writing for a construction company, probably pays well, but you know, money just couldn't make up for dealing with this jerk on a regular basis...