MetaChat - Career opportunites: advice needed

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07 August 2006

Career opportunites: advice needed A few weeks ago I accepted a new job. I made the switch for more pay and less responsibility. I was quite miserable at my last job and wanted out badly. A big part of why I hated my last job is because it's in advertising, and so is my new job, tho the new place seems to be a more pleasant environment.

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Here's where the problem comes in. A couple of months ago I interviewed for a job that I wanted desperately. It's in a different industry (publishing), which is a plus. The interviews all went very well, and I was sure I was their top pick. As it turns out, I wasn't offered the job.

Today I received an email from the managing editor of that company asking me if I'm interested in another position that's opened up there. She said I'm the perfect candidate for the job.

I start my new advertising job tomorrow, but I'd really rather take the publishing job if it's available to me. Would it be terrible of me to pursue the other job? I don't want to burn bridges, but I want the hell out of advertising and want to be happy with the work I'm doing.

What would you do in this situation?

post by: smich at: 13:45 | 8 comments

Start the advertising job, accept the publishing job if you're offered it, apologize to the advertising company profusely and explain what happened. No need to lock yourself into something you're not really interested in.

You won't be "burning bridges" by accepting the other job -- because you won't have formed them yet.

Maybe you can work out with the ad people sticking around a couple of weeks until you start the other job.

posted by mudpuppie 07 August | 13:55

I agree with Pup. Unless you've signed a contract you're allowed to accept a better position.

posted by LunaticFringe 07 August | 14:04

It happens all the time. You're allowed to look out for number one in this sort of a case.

posted by Miko 07 August | 14:05

Smich, when the shoe is on the other foot, employers (even the good ones) will never fail to make choices in their own best interest, with little or no regard for what's fair to you. You needn't feel bad about acting likewise on your own behalf.

posted by taz 07 August | 14:07

I agree with everyone else, and I admire your ethics. Like Taz said, employers will change at will for whatever's best for the company, and you should do what's best for you. Since you want out of advertising so much, go for it!

posted by redvixen 07 August | 14:18

Here is further proof of all that has been said above.

posted by mudpuppie 07 August | 16:22

Ask yourself this - if a person the advertising company liked better had applied, would they have employed you? (Hint - the answer is no). You are under no obligation to have higher morals than any company likely to employ you (this value approaches 0). The only person you havy any moral obligation to is yourself. Go for what you want and be happy. Don't look back.

posted by dg 07 August | 16:42

You have to do what's best for you, smich.

posted by deborah 08 August | 12:37

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