Gut

Hey folks, I could really use some gut-checking and 🚩 spotting from folks who know what’s up in the current job market because I'ved been out of the game for a few years and honestly I have no idea wtf is the norm anymore. For context, I was laid off about 2 months ago. I’m in the nonprofit/philanthropic sector and have about 5+ years of middle managerial experience. After a dedicated month of applying, I made it to the finalist stage for an Assistant Director role at a foundation. It's been about a 3 weeks of communications with this org, and now I’m trying to figure out if this is a good opportunity or if I should run for the hills 🫣 Here’s the overview of my comms & timeline and experience so far: -Online resume and application submission approved by HR rep - Screening Call w/ the hiring manager (would be my direct supervisor). Seemed fine and aligned on general scope of the role. 1 hr. - UNPAID Skills Assessment / Take-Home Assignment: Was told it would take ~2 hours, but it realistically took me 4.5+ hours. No pay for this, 1-week turnaround/deadline. No feedback given but upon receiving advanced me to next round. - 4Hr “Finalist” Interview (In-Person): Y’all this was a marathon. It was a 3.5-hour block (11am–3pm) with 9 people total across several rounds. Hiring manager, HR, (3) direct reports, colleagues from close departments, and the CEO’s assistant. No additional compensation, no lunch offered. The interview consisted of 30+ back to back behavioral/S.T.A.R. questions style basically rapid fire!!! By the end, I was completely fried and running out of shit to say just repeating myself. I almost made up stuff after the 20th “tell me about a time” question! Within this final interview , they emphasized how the job is extremely “fast-paced, high-pressure, and high volume, with lots of shifting priorities”. I know. I know!! 😓 🚩That was NOT clearly communicated in the earlier stages, so I was trying to process that on the spot while still trying to perform well and sell myself/ answer their questions. It felt like the expectations of the role drastically shifted. As for salary it’s low market rate/ borderline for the area/cost of living. Benefits package is solid though (health, retirement, etc.) But…my gut is feeling things. I left the building feeling drained, not energized. The vibe was very "prove yourself constantly," and honestly, I’m just lost. I don’t want to make a desperate move just because I need a job, but I also live in a very HCOL area and I’m scared of continuing unemployment for too long. So I kinda wanna ask folks more in tune: - Is this (4+ interview rounds) just the new normal in job hunting? - The bait and switch of management responsibilities, was this a red flag overload, or am I just out of practice/overwhelmed from a long process? - Is a 9 person panel interview common? - How do you balance gut feelings vs. practical need in a market like this? Thanks in advance. I’m honestly just trying to figure out my next move and not sell myself short or walk into a shit show.