Ask the Recruiter

Q. About a year ago, I was lucky enough to get a job at a great paper in a big market. And while I'm happy with the company, I am less happy with the actual job.

My ultimate goal was to become a metro reporter at a newspaper. I didn't care about the size -- small, medium, large. I just wanted to do what I loved. But in order to "break in" I took an online job without much reporting work.

I think I've made the best of it. I work holidays and try to pitch anything and everything I can. But I've been told in no uncertain terms that I'm not a daily reporter. As a friend of mine said, it's tough working at a five-star restaurant when all you get to do is chew on the leftovers.

I know I'm lucky to even have a job, and I'm not ungrateful. To actually make money in this field feels like a blessing, and I realize that with the changes going on, "traditional" reporting jobs don't really exist anymore. But I feel like I'm stuck and doing something I'm not necessarily good at. Should I stick it out here and try to wait for an opening in-house? Should I talk to the newsroom coordinator and let someone know of my interests?

Feeling Stuck

A. You definitely need to let people know how you're feeling. I bet they would be surprised to lose you. You're giving every sign that you are an eager go-getter and that, in an editor's mind, signifies someone who is happy. But you are not.

Lay it all out and describe what you're looking for. Find out what your editors mean about you not being a daily reporter. Do they think something is lacking in you? Or would they just never consider you for such an opening? And why not? Is there something you need to do? Some experience you need?

We are all moving in a digital direction, but that does not negate reporting. You should be able to have both -- and not by working extra shifts.

If the paper won't hear of you reporting, you may ultimately have to leave -- and take a pay cut to do it. Prepare for that if it seems necessary. Clean up the debt, bank some money and be ready to work for less cash and more enjoyment.

Coming Tuesday: She would like to move from an entry-level position at a scientific/medical journal to a mainstream, national magazine. What steps should she take?