YOU have a good rule-of-thumb analysis there. I like it, and it should apply to most normal sites.

It sounds like a good trick around the system, but in reality the laws have been designed to prevent this type of gaming.

In my area, let's say you park in a metered block that's signed as "1 hour maximum, 8 AM to 5 PM".

The law is written such that you can't park in that ENTIRE BLOCK for more than 1 hour between 8 AM and 5 PM. Your 1 hour timer starts from the very first moment your car is parked in that block within the restricted hours.

So if you drive into a space at 10 AM, park for 10 minutes, drive off, and come back at noon and park in the same block for another 10 minutes, you've broken the law. Because your parking time in that block was from 10 AM until 11 AM. Re-feeding the meter doesn't help - it isn't about the money, it's about sharing the space with others. This is called "overtime", and it's different than no time left on the meter.

And of course, the meter readers carry digital ticket-generating radio devices with digital cameras and tag (plate) readers in them, so there is a good possibility that you get caught. Yes, I've gotten several tickets for overtime, and although I was unhappy with the tickets, it wasn't as if I didn't breaking the law. The real bummer is getting a ticket for both Overtime and Expired Meter on the same ticket... that's TWO distinct fines. (They used to use chalk to mark tire position, but that doesn't work well if it rains, or if the parker knows enough to rub the chalk away.)

The laws are very well defined to minimize gaming the system. They generally impact people like me who try to park for 8 hours at two hour meters.

Plus, it's pretty hard to argue in court: here's a guy with a half-dozen parking tickets filed against him, versus a meter maid who gets the most verbal abuse in the world and who doesn't have a care in the world if you pay the fine or not. The judge is most likely believe the person who is just doing their job and who doesn't have the incredibly bad parking record. As it should be.

Obviously, you have some capabilities that they can't do without. You should be able to capitalize on that.

Tell them that you can be put on a retainer, so, for a nominal fee (maybe triple your new hourly salary), you will help them out for up to 8 hours a week - either by helping them with particular projects, training new people, bringing management up to speed, or whatever. Also, require them to give you a stellar written review on company letterhead.

They are being assholes - I've never heard of such a thing. Generally, in my experience, the employer entices the employee to stay by offering a higher salary, bonus, upgraded position, or other perks. Badmouthing employees (or employers) is generally an awful strategy.

But don't get mad. Scratch their itch by giving them what they need and by getting a lot out of it yourself.

I only use Skype to ring my cell phone ... in the case when I misplace my cell phone.

YES! Many think that Rick Wagoner is closely linked with the the perception of GM's viability. Or lack there-of.