Q: I've been reading your news jobs blog, and I have to say I love it!
Here's my situation: I'm a 2005 graduate of the University of Alabama's journalism program. I took a copy editing position at my hometown suburban daily in Georgia, but stayed for only three months. I then moved down here to south Florida with my boyfriend because I got a really sweet job offer to copy edit and lay out a daily newsletter. I've now been here for nine months.
Now, because of south Florida's high cost of living and homesickness, I want to get closer to my friends and family in a more affordable area, and I want to get back into newspapers. But I'm afraid that some of the positions I'm looking at ( i.e., features editor at a 6-day daily in Alabama) are a major step down in terms of pay. I'm also afraid that some of the papers I'm applying to for copy editor positions won't consider me because I'm not currently in newspapers.
So any advice for a girl looking to get back into copy editing?
Kristen
A: The good news is that copy editors -- especially with design skills -- are in demand.
I can't gauge your homesickness or bank account, but I can tell you that a three-month job followed by a nine-monther outside of newspapers absolutely must be followed by something that shows some stability. If your next job is less than two years, your resume will make it look as though you don't know what you want and employers will assume, with some justification, that you won't stay long in your next job, either.
I think you can get this next job, but the one after that will depend on how long you stay with this new one. Look at the money issue carefully.
If you make a move, make one that can stick. I hope you make it back.
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