Q: I've been working at the same paper for approximately five years and am ready to make a move. Quite frankly, I've been ready to make a move for the last two years.
The paper I'm at right now has a circulation of about 200,000. I've had a few bites from some large dailies but no formal offers.
However, I recently contacted an assistant managing editor at my first job (where I was a news assistant) and it looks like they may have some foreign openings. The AME over there said I'd be a good candidate for one in particular.
I've always dreamed of becoming a foreign correspondent. I'm single, have no kids and no other real attachments to speak of except my parents, sister, niece, and a very nice woman I just started dating. They live in the same town I live in right now. And I'm afraid to leave and start all over in a country that is at least an ocean away.
If I apply, they make an offer and I say no, that could usurp my chance of ever working for this destination paper. So what to do? I'm at an age where it's time to make a jump. I'm just concerned about the size of the jump, and how I'd feel in a foreign country away from friends and family.
On the fence
A: Only you can decide whether to go overseas, but it's clear that you can't wait until you get an offer to come up with your answer.
You WILL seem odd if you pursue a job, get it and then turn it down.
Decide now whether you want to go overseas. If you do, go after that job and take it if they'll let you. If you want to go work for that newspaper but stay stateside, ask about other openings.
