Monday, January 22, 2007

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your blog, but in particular, the answers you provide to the questions dealing with balances between family and work. I will soon be in the same boat as others.

ASK JOE A QUESTION

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My wife and I are expecting our first child in May, and I'm very excited about it. I'm also very worried about what will happen with my career because of it. Here are the issues I'm fighting:

1. I've been at the same small daily for six years, and it's basically an 8 to 5 job with evening events (sports) several nights a week. I think it's time for someone else to take a turn. I'd love to advance to a larger morning paper whether it's nearby or not (For me, location has only a few limitations.). As you've mentioned before, a 3 to 11 shift seems ideal for raising kids at a young age. I also want to be a good father and actually see the baby.
   


2. My wife's family lives nearby (which is both good and bad), so change doesn't come easily.

What do you suggest I do? I know you're not a relationship expert, but you've had experiences with this sort of thing, or at least some of it. It's troubling because I do have personal and professional goals for myself, but am afraid I'll be pigeonholed and I'll be stuck in a job that is no longer challenging or rewarding. Am I doomed? The next place I go, if it's anywhere, I want to stay for a long time. I'm almost 30, and I would like to settle down, but this seems like the wrong place at the right time.

Thanks,

Chad

Congratulations on the baby-to-be!

Now, let's stop talking about doom.

Joe Grimm

You have about six months before the baby arrives, so let's get busy and try to make a move while it is convenient. If nothing develops, settle down for a while, let the baby come and meet everyone, and then pick up your job search again.

I don't see why the arrival of the baby should have a major negative affect on your career or your mobility.

Stop worrying, dust off your resume and paint that nursery!

It can be tough to balance work and family, but lots of people have figured out what works for them. Ask other working parents for advice.

To see just how many journalists are in similar straits, you might take a look at what Jill Geisler wrote about The Poynter Institute's Work-Life Balance Survey.

The recruiter asks back: How about it parents? What advice do you have for this balancing act? What has worked for you? Click on Add Your Comments below and tell the rest of us.

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Coming Tuesday: He has applied before -- and been rejected or ignored -- and asks whether it is even worth trying again.

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