Thank you for this column. I just recently discovered it, and I think your advice has been top notch.
I have a few difficult questions I hope you can answer. Currently, I am a government beat reporter working for a 17,000-circulation daily, and I have about four years of experience. My husband has just graduated college and has applied to several graduate schools, one in our area, and two in areas thousands of miles away. I am the primary breadwinner. But after he gets his Ph.D., it's likely he will make at least four times my current hourly wage, so it makes sense to move wherever he can get the best education.
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 If you prefer that your surname not be published, please indicate that.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:
* Click here (sent Monday-Friday at 8 a.m.) |
|
We will likely hear responses to his applications in March, April or May this year. But from what he and I hear, he will have only a week or so to accept the job. If I cannot get a decent job, we likely will not be able to afford to live there. At best, I will have about three months to search for a job before we absolutely have to move. My concern is that the two areas away from where we live (Seattle and Los Angeles) are highly competitive markets. What do you think I can do now to prepare myself for whichever area we might move to?
My other concern might sound kind of sexist, but I am wondering whether I should reveal why I am moving to the area at all. We plan to be in the area for several years until he finishes his degree. But as an unchilded woman who doesn't want kids (I am sterile anyway), I don't want them to think I have some biological clock ticking and that I will need to take maternity leave. I love my profession and I want to work hard. Is there a tactful way of saying any of this? Or should I not even bring it up? Or should I follow the lead of the interviews? Some of my friends (male and female) say I shouldn't even wear a wedding ring to an interview.
Torn
Second part first: It is fine to tell a prospective employer that you plan to move to an area because your spouse is. You don't have to, but it can't hurt anything. Do not say anything about your plans regarding children. That is inappropriate, and to bring it up will make you sound like you lack judgment. Personally, I would not remove my wedding ring to fool someone. Be who you are.
Now, the first part: To prepare for a potential move -- whether to one place or more -- do your homework by studying the market for prospective employers. Develop some contacts there and ask about the employment picture, the pipelines that exist and the places where a person with your skills could most likely break in. Keep your resume current, your work sharp, and follow your target publications.
Coming Thursday: She is interested in this job as a producer -- it would be a promotion -- but she is worried about the pay cut that is being proposed.
