Q. I was lucky to go straight from graduation to my first job, thanks to a successful summer internship the previous year.
After three months as a temporary employee who still worked full-time hours, I was on track to be hired as a permanent employee with benefits. Unfortunately, our overhead company had to freeze hiring/raises. I enjoyed what I did and I lived pretty frugally, so I decided to stick around despite not having benefits. Fast forward to May of this year. After a round of layoffs/buyouts I was pulled aside and told that after "much negotiation," my boss had finally gotten me cleared for benefits and a raise.
This is all great, but unfortunately there's been a snag in my plans. My significant other is likely to move out of state for a rare job opportunity in September. The obvious snag is that I just got put on permanent status and both of my immediate supervisors have implied that it took a lot of work on their part to get me that distinction. I feel like it would be a slap in the face to leave three months later, but I feel like I already paid my dues here and am ready to find another place to grow.
Don't get me wrong. I'm grateful for the experience they've offered me, but they really aren't in a place to offer much more. I don't even know how I would go about bringing this up or if I should just suck it up, stay here a full year and then move. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Elizabeth A. Be thankful for your editors' efforts on your behalf, but don't put your life on hold to show your gratitude. That is just not fair to you, and it could lead you down the path of resentment.
You gave them your best when the pay was low and when the benefits were late in coming. It is ironic that you are almost at the point of leaving when the money and benefits have arrived.
Here's something to think about, though it may not change the timing: Your significant other has a job in this other location, but you don't. Start looking and stay where you are until you have a new job. Moving for a new job would be less of an affront to your editors -- and your bank account.
Whenever you leave, do it with gratitude and class.
Coming Tuesday: After a few years working with smaller niche publications, this mid-career journalist would like to go after jobs in the big leagues. What should her strategy be?
