Q. I have been in the newspaper business for over 15 years -- first on the print side and then migrating to online development and marketing in 1994.
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I work for a very small news organization and I love my work -- however, although the organization is moving ahead in many advanced ways toward embracing the
Newspaper Next challenges -- for political reasons, they still have my department (new media) under advertising. I am responsible for online content, strategy, revenue, budgets and technical and creative staff -- all the things that department heads do. But I answer to an advertising director who believes "baby-boomers are not online."
I feel that my career may truly be taking a backseat by staying in a position of middle-management when colleagues with half my responsibilities at other newspapers have secured positions like vice president of interactive development and audience development director. My question is this -- is there ever a benefit to approaching senior management with my concerns and displeasure in the hope of reaching an agreement, or is it generally better to leave the company?
Love My Work, Hate My JobA. I wouldn't hold out much hope that a conversation will turn your world around.
Essentially, you're seeking a reorganization of the newspaper that will move your department out from under the advertising director and elevate you to a director or vice-president position. You need to
have a pretty good case to make a restructuring happen, and I don't see it here. And if you can make that case, consider the politics. Assuming your advertising director does not want to give up power and turf, your publisher will be forced to choose between your plan and your boss'. How do you think that will go?
If you decide it is time to leave, search wider than just newspapers and investigate other kinds of media companies.
Coming Thursday: She works part-time writing stories for the newspaper and wonders if she can pick up some public relations work as well, writing about community organizations.
