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Should I?
Lurker here, but I have a situation and need some unbiased advice:
I just graduated college in May with a degree in journalism. The week after graduation, I got a job in my hometown for a statewide weekly newspaper covering state government--for all intents and purposes, my dream job. However, the entire company has kind of fallen on hard times and the newspaper is in danger of shutting down if things don't turn around by May. I'm not actively looking for another job because I really like this one and I'm hoping the paper can stay afloat.
That said, I saw a link on Twitter for something I think would be a great opportunity for me. It is a 13-month fellowship in my field, a $13,000 pay raise and includes health and dental insurance plus the cost of public transportation. It is in Washington, D.C., which is where I ultimately wanted to end up in my career.
Applications for the fellowship are due next month and it starts in July. There is no promise it will turn into a full-time job. So my question is, should I go ahead and apply to the fellowship in case the newspaper I currently work for shuts down, or should I wait until I know more about my company's future before I look for another job? If I was offered the fellowship and my newspaper didn't shut down, I think I would turn down the fellowship. My husband said he would support anything I decided to do, but would love the 50 percent pay increase.
Some guidance from you wise ladies would be appreciated.
Re: Should I?
I would apply for the fellowship. I'm sure you know jobs in journalism are competetive and hard to come by these days (especially when you work in print). It doesn't sound like there's a downside to the fellowship, and if the company you work for has a chance of going under I would definitely jump ship if given a better opportunity.
If (or when) your company goes under, I think you would regret it if you didn't at least try for this.
Good luck!
i agree with this. i would think i would regret not having applied. i doubt i would regret applying, though.
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That's my No. 1 concern. I looked on Craigslist last night at apartments and the cheapest I saw were more than twice what we pay now. I would make more money, but not sure it would be enough once cost of living is factored in.
Ehh...it is but it isn't. I'm young, so getting my foot in the door in DC would be a huge step for me. But I also just graduated and don't have a lot of money, and moving from West Virginia (low cost of living) to DC (high cost of living) for a 13-month fellowship that may or may not lead to a full-time job could end up being a mistake, I think. But I guess I'll go ahead and apply and see what happens. Thanks for the advice, ladies.
Also, remember that even if you DO get the fellowship, you don't HAVE to take it. There's nothing saying you have to take the offer if you and your DH decide that it isn't the best move for you. There's nothing wrong with applying, no matter what happens or what the ultimate decision is.
The office I would be working in is in Arlington, so I've been looking in that area and what I guess would be the suburbs (McLean, etc.). There is absolutely no way we could live in downtown DC. Just not sure if the cost outweighs the benefits or vice versa. I'd hate to apply, get the position and have to turn it down because I can't afford to move or find a place to live that won't put us in poverty lol.
Keep in mind that so many people graduate with Journalism and English degrees every year. These new graduates are vying for the same jobs. You are lucky enough to have gotten some experience already, but further experience (such as the fellowship) would only increase your hire-ability. If you truly want to pursue journalism in your future, it would be silly to pass up this Fellowship opportunity. It may be the difference between getting or not getting a job in the future. It would definitely make you a more qualified, unique applicant..
I understand the concerns about the cost of living, but if you can make the numbers work, you should do it! Even though it doesn't guarantee you a job, it will certainly make it easier to get one.
You're putting the cart before the horse. Apply. Worry about everything else if you are offered the fellowship.
The cost of living here is high. My DH and I have always lived in MD and I've always commuted into the city (going on 9 years now). You can do it. There are still some affordable pockets, particularly if you take some time and hunt around, don't rent from in a large building with loads of amenities, and are willing to have a long-ish commute if necessary. You definitely won't get the space you'd get in West Va, but if you want to get into political journalism, DC is the place to be.
Also...I'd start honing your web writing skills. (From a person with an English degree who has become a web writer...organizations, government agencies, etc. are always looking for us!)
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