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I currently work at a weekly business journal, but business reporting isn't my passion. Politics is. So when I saw an ad looking for a political reporter at the city's alt newsweekly, I was quick to turn in my resume and clips. It's not that I'm unhappy at my current paper. Actually, quit the opposite. I'm really happy here, but the chance to work at an alt weekly is too good to pass up, especially doing what I truly love.
Here's the catch: The alt weekly used to be owned by the same company that owns my business paper, so they have a written agreement that they can't hire each other's employees without first asking permission. So, I have the "interview" today, and if they are interested, they will call my publisher and ask permission to hire me.
My question is ... am I on shaky ground here? If my publisher gets upset to find out I'm looking at another paper, I am worried that could leave me with no job at all. Or, I could end up stuck here at a paper that knows I don't want to be here. If nothing else, I'm sure there will be an awkward conversation with my boss in my future.
Caught in a contractual nightmare
Policies like this one protect companies in the aftermath of an ownership change. Far more common are similar policies that govern the transfers of employees from one place to another.
Your fears may be valid, as some editors treat interviewing with another company as a sign of disloyalty.
Do this: Tell the prospective employer that, if they like you well enough to talk to your current employer, that you wish to be afforded the courtesy of having the first conversation yourself.
Then, go in and tell your boss that you have applied for this other opening and that it will give you the chance to do the type of reporting that you are really cut out for. Then ask your publisher for support in making this move.
Your honesty and openness may win the publisher. Certainly, you will be no worse off than if you let the other place call for permission.
When my own career is the center of attention, I prefer to be in the middle of the conversation, not on the periphery.
Coming Friday: She and her long-time partner, another journalist, want to make a move, but worry that nepotism rules will stop them.
