Having an interview before going to sleep was not the best idea

Bit of a long rant I need to get off my chest so I can maybe get some sleep. I expect this will die in usersub never to see the light of day.

My company has given me notice that after 5 years of employment my role is being "transitioned to other geographic locations". This was my first white collar job that introduced new amazing words to my vocabulary like "benefits", "paid time off", "employee insurance", and "401k".

During this "transition period" I am still working full time on night shift until the day of what I personally am calling "The Purge". Today was my first interview in 5 years... it was with a head hunter one hour after my shift ended in the middle of my work week.

To be honest this company's product is amazing and I've been spending the last week researching the technical aspects of the product and seeing what it would take to support it. I am really starting to desire this role.

But as I mentioned this interview was with a head hunter not a person working for the company that has knowledge in the feild that the role is about. He asked questions like, "What is your expected salary?" even though he already had previously provided the approximate salary range depending on the level of the role they may hire me for. He also asked, "Are you okay with the provided benefits?" Everything I've read or been taught was to only discuss salary and benefits AFTER receiving a job offer not before the interview.

His line of questioning regarding benefits was both jarring and concerning. I almost wanted to ask what kind of Karens this head hunter had dealt with before that he seemed to expect I would make outrageous demands about salary and benefits that did not suit the role I was applying for. But trying to not make myself seem completely uninterested in this line of questioning I responded with "That's cool the company offers that." Which made the conversation super awkward.

Now here I am thinking I've shot myself in the foot for getting this role before I've been able to properly showcase my range of knowledge and my ability to learn quickly.

Honestly as long as I can pay my bills any provided benefits is appreciated but not actively sought after. I'm more interested in working a job that is challenging yet rewarding (mentally fulfilling). I think of myself as a helpful problem solver rather than a savior that demands a fortune for my services.

I'm hoping I hear back from the head hunter but I fear I'll have to find a different job to fall in love with.

*** Edit - Finally heard back from the recruiter they are looking for someone with more experience.