Recruiter: Hi Chad, Hope your day is starting off well. We got some positive feedback form the folks at ---- and ----- and they are interested in having you take their PHP challenge. To quote their Director of Development: “I know this isn't an easy challenge, but senior-level work is a lofty claim. Nailing this challenge is a pretty quick ticket to landing this job.” I have attached the Code Challenge and they would like you to complete it as soon as possible. Thanks, Recruiter

Chad: Hi Recruiter,

I will admit the the Director was smart not just to issue the challenge, but he put a small psychological challenge to taunt the ego with the term "lofty claim". Unfortunately, three variables that where left out of the equation: Risk, Time and Economy. Risk: preforming this task is no guarantee of job, so the time spent on this project has the complete potential of being unhedged, i.e. unpaid. Time: The opportunity cost of preforming this task, as I can be developing existing clients (profitable), job opportunities (variable profitability), spending time with my new born, or playing basketball (the last two are not profitable, but enjoyable) instead of working on this unpaid project. Economics: Based on the current demand for programmers and senior programmers this particular project seems a little egregious, it might have been acceptable in 2008-2009, today not so much.

In Nov., I was paid to work on a side-projects for a company that was interested in hiring me. I did a side project for them that benefited both parties. In the end I wasn't interested in the position, I got paid and they got the side project done. Thanks,Chad

Recruiter: Thanks Chad I’ll let him know.

Challenge can be found here: http://pastebin.com/jLMeGBW6