Yeah, paule53 has a point about the gear. I swapped out my old jar for a new one and my next batch turned out way better.

Totally get that, some of that old glazed stuff is a nightmare. reesepatel has a point about poly brushes shredding, but they're the only thing that touches the really hard deposits sometimes. Just have to go slow and hope the tiles are in good shape.

Honestly that fear is so real. I've been there, feeling like you should just be grateful for any offer. But a 20% cut is massive. You have to remember your own worth. Companies expect you to talk about pay, and not asking leaves so much money on the table. It's a tough talk but you absolutely have to try for at least what you make now.

Love that UV dye trick, @holly_garcia.

You said your coffee tastes flat and stale now, but is it really that big of a deal? Like, on a busy morning when you're half asleep, are you actually noticing those tiny details? I've used pre-ground stuff for weeks and barely tasted a difference, especially after I added some creamer. Sometimes I wonder if we just convince ourselves it's worse because we read it should be.