Ask the Recruiter

Q. I am a reporter for a weekly, niche newspaper, and I'm wondering how taboo it is to leave your first journalism job for a competing paper?

I've been where I'm at for several years now, and I'm relatively happy even though the pay is atrocious and there is no room for advancement. I am, however, itching to move on to something better and have been putting out feelers. Also, the publication is suffering. We've already had some layoffs. I'm not high up on the totem pole, so I fear that I'll be among the next to get axed.

We aren't the only niche publication in town. Our competitor is rumored to be doing better, financially, and their circulation is slightly larger. They have avoided making staff cuts, so far. One of their editors just reached out to me regarding a position, and we are meeting to discuss details soon. Through some discreet nosing around, I learned they have an open position that would mean a better title and, most likely, a pay increase.

It seems like a no-brainer, but for me, it's not. My predicament is that I don't want to burn any bridges. There is bad blood between both publications that goes back many years. The publishers and editors hate each other. Several people have left one publication for the other, but in all cases, once they left, they were branded as a traitor, even if they were clear that they did not leave for personal reasons. These people are not just future references, but my friends.

Is more money and a better title worth destroying my connections at my first real job? My career is young and I'd hate to burn my first and only bridge.

Hesitant

A. A bridge has no value until you cross it.

If your sense of loyalty -- or fear of retribution -- prevents you from going someplace, this is not a bridge, it is a cage.

People go to competitors all the time. Often, those who do are shunned -- but not by their true friends.

Interview for the job. If it seems to be better, go to your bosses and be up front with them. Do not insult them or make a harsh comparison, but explain why you think it is time to go. They may not respect that, but they should respect you.

Don't let their issues trap you.

Coming Tuesday: He is getting ready to graduate and wants a journalism job in Washington, D.C., a highly competitive market. His professor has told him to just move there and start looking, but he worries about costs. Is there a better way?