|
|
Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/31/2008
Posts: 2
Points: 6
|
I have always heard that you should stay in a position for at least one year. My question is, how detrimental would it be to break this "rule?"
My situation is that I have 4 years of solid paraprofessional experience as a subject-specific (prefer not to disclose) cataloger (with 2 different employers). Once I graduated, I felt the need to move into a professional position as I saw many of the jobs that I desired wanted 2 years of professional experience or a second Masters in this particular subject. I have a Bachelors in this area and all of my cataloging experience has been in this area. However, I accepted a general cataloging position in the hopes of doing some exciting work on digitizing and utilizing other metadata schemes. The impression I got in the interview was that the institution was going to move forward with it and make it a priority, but once here, I've discovered the truth is that there is much resistance to pursuing this. What was so appealing about this position, is no longer. And the more I think about it, the more I think I've made a mistake in leaving my area of interest.
There are available jobs in my area of expertise that I am qualified for, and perhaps if given, can concurrently pursue a Masters in my subject. Currently, I am 3 hours away from any institution that offers a Masters in my discipline. I feel strongly about this, but here's the kicker: I've only been at my current employer for 4 months, and the jobs I'm looking at will be filling the position by July (Feb. and March. application closing dates).
It seems to me that I would do myself a professional disservice by leaving a job so soon, but at the same time, I'm miserable here. There's really more to it than that (like not actually getting the opportunity to do much cataloging), but I think that's enough background. ;o)
Any advice is much appreciated!
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
, Negotiation - Moderator
Joined: 1/31/2008
Posts: 49
Points: 150
Location: Oregon
|
Go for it. Life is too short to be stuck in a job you don't like. And you never know, those options might not work out for any number of reasons, but you never know unless you put yourself out there. My first full time, post-MLIS professional job lasted exactly one year, though it could have been less, I decided to continue to work one evening a week for the last month while I was already working days at the new job. In that case, it was my then director who recommended that I apply for the new job. I've been in that job about 14 months now, and thought it's better than the last library in many ways, I'm starting to look at other positions, simply because the organization does not seem stable, and I'm really not happy living where I am now. I moved cross country after library school because there were not many full time opportunities where I was, but now a couple have opened up & I'm applying for them. I've heard a lot of people say that you can be happy with your job, or where you live, but not both. Maybe that's true, but I'm going to try to go for both, because, well, why not?
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Management - Moderator
, Member
Joined: 1/2/2008
Posts: 223
Points: 602
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
|
libcat wrote:I have always heard that you should stay in a position for at least one year. My question is, how detrimental would it be to break this "rule?" If someone else is willing to hire you, than it is not detrimental at all. Your challenge will be explaining why the switch in interviews without degrading your current institution. It does become problem if it happens over and over again. Each time it occurs some people will write you off. It can be overcome with strong communication skills and references. You never can tell the perceptions of others.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
, Resumes - Moderator
Joined: 1/3/2008
Posts: 42
Points: 132
Location: http://talkingbookslibrarian.blogspot.com
|
In today's world and job market, I don't really think the "1 year" rule applies. If you want to apply for other jobs, then do it! However, as Brian mentioned, if leaving jobs after 4 months happens repeatedly, then this could cause some employers to wonder. If you are asked in an interview why you are leaving another position so soon, just be honest about it in the interview.
Check out my blog on Talking Books at http://talkingbookslibrarian.blogspot.com
|
|
Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/31/2008
Posts: 2
Points: 6
|
I just wanted to thank all of you for the advice. It has definitely made me think about my options.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/3/2008
Posts: 59
Points: 177
Location: kansas
|
I would rather hire someone who said "I made a mistake" than someone who stayed in a job an became disillusioned and angry. The tricky part is explaining this desire to change in a cover letter. If you really miss working in a certain area, then say that is why you are changing. You can always say you prefer X over Y, or that you always wanted to work for Institution A, and this is your opportunity. As long as it sounds positive and not whiney, they should be willing to look at your resume.
|
|
|
Guest |
