Q. I'm a reporter who worked at my first paper for about two years, then was recruited to the paper where I currently work. I have been here about a year. Both papers are about 300,000-circulation
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dailies. I like this paper and I like my job, but I am really feeling the itch to move to my home city -- a major metropolitan market.
I know that it'd probably be best to stay at my current paper for at least two years, lest I look like a ship-jumper. But if I could get the right job in my home city, I know I'd stay for several years. I was thinking of e-mailing the major metro daily's recruiter, and the handful of people I know who work there, to indicate that I'd love to work there at some point.
Is there anything wrong with starting to put my feelers out right now? Would you advise that I wait longer?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Homeward BoundA. Put out those feelers.
There is no reason why you shouldn't be clear about your long-term intentions. Getting set up for a move could take a couple of years, anyway, so get started now.
And you have correctly surmised that, if a move comes quickly, you can overcome the job-hopper label by staying at the new job for a few years.
As you contact your hometown paper, be a little circumspect so as to not hurt yourself in the eventual negotiations.
Coming Friday: She is eager to develop multimedia skills, but a hearing loss makes her worry she will be left behind.
