I don't have any first hand experirnce, but from what you and others said, it is pretty obvious that the big box store sounds like a much safer bet. Vyrus, I don't know what bike mechanics make, but according to you, you said they don't pay much. Don't take this the wrong way, I'm just trying to help you sort it out, but, if you are not making a lot of money, it kind of de-values the job to me. In other words, take any of the jobs, do a good job, and enjoy it. If you happen to get laid off, just find another job....any job. If you want safe, I would recommend the bigger store. Otherwise, I would just pick the job that I think would make a better day of work for me, ie. better boss. One more thing, don't forget benefits. I don't know if either job gives any kind of benefits, but that can be worth a lot in the long run.