Q. I graduated six months ago and took a job at an alternative weekly. Prior to my full-time position, I completed two "official" internships at the paper and freelanced for it in between internships. All in all, I have been working with the paper since 2004. Last year, I also completed a six-month internship with a magazine publishing company.
ASK JOE A QUESTION
|
To get your question answered on this page, send it to Joe. Please include your full name in your message. If you prefer that your surname not be published, please indicate that. Sign up to receive Ask the Recruiter by e-mail. (sent Monday-Friday at 8 a.m.) |
|
I have been presented with the opportunity to move to a larger city at the end of the year. Several factors have encouraged me to take the opportunity. These factors include: the fact that I have always wanted to live in that city; I have lived here all of my life; I have the opportunity to work on getting into one of the country's best journalism schools (especially for new media -- what I want to get into); I have saved up a significant amount of money to ease moving costs; and finally, I have arranged a cheap and safe living arrangement. I am ready to experience new things in my career and in my personal life.
The problem is that I am having the hardest time informing my employers. I love working here, yet I just feel like it is time for me to move on. I feel like maybe I shouldn't have taken the job in May, but at the time I had no intention to move. Moving away from Atlanta was just a dream that wasn't possible then.
I know I am nervous about getting a new job even though I've already had several interviews in the city, but am I making a big mistake? Also, what is the best way to inform my supervisor and editor? Finally, am I ruining my chances of getting another job or being able to use them as references?
Thanks for all your help and advice through your wonderful columns. You've helped me and so many others in their career decisions.
Sincerely,
Looking
A. I understand your difficulty in approaching your editors. Few editors I know are happy with people who leave after just six months.
Your bosses obviously like your work, they have given you four or more opportunities, treat you well and are now hoping to start benefiting from your talents and experience. They will be disappointed.
It sounds as though you are halfway out the door.
Talk to your bosses soon. The more notice you give them, the better they'll be able to deal with this unexpected opening.
There are a couple of mitigating factors that could make this easier for you. One is that it does not appear there were any moving costs involved in getting you to come there. Some companies make new hires promise to reimburse moving expenses if they move within a year or two, but that doesn't seem to be an issue.
Also, since you have largely grown up as a professional with these people, they know you much better than if you first came to them six months ago.
Talk to your editors, and do it soon.
Coming Friday: She is double-majoring in geography and linguistics but loves journalism and works extensively for the school paper. She is worried now that a geography co-op means she can't do a summer journalism internship.
