Thursday, September 6, 2007
Endure the Stress or Just Leave?
My entire career has been at papers larger than 60,000. Almost two years ago I left to take a job as a managing editor at a very small newspaper to get into management. At the time, a friend warned me the paper might force me into working so many hours that I wouldn't have time for anything else.
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After studying the resources available to the paper, I figured things would be OK. Well, since I got here, we have lost 1.5 positions in the newsroom. I'm always trying to get things done and I'm working 10 to 14 hours a day (more often on the upper end). I'm working on my master's thesis right now and we're expecting a baby soon (both will be done in about six months). I've been to the doctor because of chest pains (not heart attacks). I have also become very short-tempered of late. I feel like my anger is almost out of control.
I want to help our company do more with the Internet but I can't even get my hands on the Web site. We had a story yesterday that we ended up getting scooped on because we had to wait to print.
When I talk to my publisher about my frustrations with the quality of journalism we're doing he suggests that my expectations are too high for our situation.
I was planning on leaving in six months, but I'm now asking is that wise? Should I leave before my temper becomes worse? Should I quit and finish my thesis and then find a new job? Or should I endure, hoping I can make a positive difference in a place that I'm worrying will ever change?
Frustrated in Podunk
I am worried for you and your growing family. I am glad you are seeing a doctor.
Chest pains and anger verging on the uncontrollable are not to be taken lightly. Stress will not diminish after the baby comes.
Enduring this is not a formula for success. Nor is flat-out quitting.
You've got to reduce your hours immediately and stop trying to save the whole newspaper all by yourself. It can't happen. Talk to your editors, cut back to a more manageable schedule and let some responsibilities go to other people or cut them out of the agenda. This will be difficult at first, but the chance to spend more time at home and do some better decision-making should show some immediate benefits.
Keep looking for that new job, but be cautious about the few months on either side of the due date. You don't want to compound work stress with the joyful stress of having a baby and the aggravation of moving.
Follow doctor's orders, of course, and visit the newspaper's Human Resources department to see whether there is an Employee Assistance Program that can also help with some of the health issues you describe.
Coming Friday: The newspaper where he interned went up for sale with the understanding that it will be closed if a buyer isn't found. He wonders whether there is a bigger story in this.
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