Q: I am a reporter for a weekly that has a circulation of 64,000. It's a small paper with five staff reporters. I work hard, do proofreading, take pictures and write headlines and captions. In addition to writing news, I also write features. I have been here for almost two years, but I am feeling I need a change for two reasons:
I am bored with the type of coverage we do. I feel I do a lot of work and that I'm always stressed out when I get home in the evening. My editor has a knack for picking on me to do weekend assignments, even when the regulations state we only work weekdays. Nobody else gets picked for these assignments, even if it's their beat, which gets pushed to me. And, lastly, the pay is crappy, too.
I am ready for the big move. I've been searching in vain and am scared that my almost two years here is insufficient to get me a gig at a daily.
A: Yep, you need a new job.
A serious search will tell you if your work has been in vain. But I don't think it has been. For the greatest chances of success, search dailies that are no larger than your present weekly and be ready to move.
As you interview, evaluate whether the work you'll be doing will improve your life. Will you still be unhappy if the coverage is similar and you still have to work some weekends? Will the pace at a daily be even more stressful than what you have now? I wouldn't be surprised if that's the kind of job you'd have. But if you can find relief with a better boss, atmosphere and paycheck, you may be able to break out of this funk.
What's on your mind?: Are you looking to make a career move, too? E-mail Joe for advice.
crappy pay and weekend work sums up my daily experience,...
