I recently applied for a Store Manager position at a Chinese company that is opening its first store in the U.S. Although I interviewed well, they chose an internal candidate who speaks Chinese for the role. However, they liked me enough to create an Assistant Store Manager (ASM) position specifically for me. During the interview process, it became clear that they are inexperienced in U.S. retail operations. They had numerous questions about what benefits to offer, hiring security, and other operational standards. I took the initiative to send them a detailed email outlining essential needs for the store, including a good POS system and recommendations for payroll services like ADP. I also expressed my concerns about the qualifications of the new store manager, emphasizing that ASMs typically shouldn't handle all the managerial responsibilities unless compensated fairly. Now, they've proposed that I start as a contracted employee before transitioning to full-time. I'm unsure about this arrangement and whether the pay rate would be higher. I’m seeking advice on whether I should accept this freelance offer, given my concerns about the company's understanding of U.S. retail practices and the qualifications of the store manager. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!