Q: My business reporting job is being eliminated and I am being moved to suburban work. Is there a risk of this change reflecting on me? One colleague asked me if I thought the paper was trying to get rid of me. I thought about that. But I'm not a veteran reporter they're trying to nudge into retirement. And in the context of everything that's going on at the paper, I think they're just trying to fill holes in our coverage without hiring anyone. Editors have been turned into reporters. Reporters who have copy-editing experience have returned to the copy desk. I was told the reason they're moving me to the community section is because I have metro experience.
However, I'd like to continue my career as a business reporter. I'm wondering how to explain my job
situation to potential employer.
Moved
A: I place a lot of significance in the question asked by the other reporter. The thought has obviously occurred to that person. It is also a bit odd to move someone from a role where talent is scarce -- business reporting -- into one where it is easier to find.
People aren't nudged out just for being veterans. Sometimes, they can be nudged out for performance or political reasons. I would consider performance. Reread your latest appraisal. Get a conversation with your former editor -- and the new one. Have a clear idea of what everyone is expecting -- and exceed it. It cannot hurt you to treat this as you would a wake-up call -- even if it is not meant to be one.
