Is it wise to change shops in this job climate

Times are hard. No one will disagree with that. With almost every chain experiencing some type of cuts, job security is more valuable than ever.

So my question is this: Would it be wise to take a nice raise for a gig in another shop if you are secure in your current job?

 

If you think that anyone in newspapers, from publishers to clerks, is "secure" in their job situation these days, you're either extremely optimistic or badly misinformed.

 

Depends, is it a union paper?

 

Not a union paper.

Agreed. But some are more secure than others.

 

Would you have to move to take the other gig? If the answer is yes, would the raise cover the cost of living difference?

But if you want a job that might be more secure, then get out of journalism.

 

Nothing is secure. and there's no such thing as raises anymore.
If you have an opportunity to make more money and find better happiness, take it.
But don't stay at your current shop out of fear.

 

Change shops? No...

Change careers? Yes...

 

No. We've heard about some papers laying off people with the least amount of service time. Also, the longer you've been at a particular paper, the better your severance package will be (in theory.)

 

No. Hold on to the job you have now until they tell you to leave.

 

You can't live your life in fear. Definitely question the new prospective bosses about buyouts, and layoffs. But if it's going to happen, it's going to happen - no matter if you stay at your current shop or not.

 

Bingo. I changed jobs a few months ago -- despite being in a "secure" position, it was an increasingly toxic situation that wasn't worth whatever security I had through seniority. I'm much happier now, no matter what happens at this current shop (and I'm preparing for anything.)

You can't live your life waiting for the other shoe to drop.

 

And we all trust potential future bosses to be completely forthright about the financial (future raises, ad revenue online and in print) and personnel (hired or laid off this many people in the past year, open positions, understaffed) situations at the paper while trying to convince an applicant that he should ply his trade there?

You're far better people than I.