Annie,
I also did a similar thing about 10 years ago. "Focusing your career", and moving away from a position that does not allow for professional growth, is a good perspective and not anything that reflects poorly on your current employer. As Nick noted, spending a normal amount of time at work, professional development opportunities, and general enjoyment of the job can come from such a move. The fact that you can manage such a position, and have that experience, is to your professional credit.
Good luck.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
316-978-5850
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of nicholas burlakoff
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 12:44 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: how not to burn bridges
My advice has always been, be honest BUT diplomatic. Saying things such as: the present position does not allow me sufficient time for professional development, or consistent time with my family, is one way of approaching it (you are signaling thayt you are overworked but are not badmouthing your current employer). In terms of jobs, I would say that "I am interested in devoting more time to..., which my current situation does not allow. I would also turn the current situation to an advantage by saying something along the lines, "One advantage I bring to your position is that having had some experience in ... I can more effectively work with your person cahrged with ... Good luck. Peace, Nick
-----Original Message-----
>From: Annie Eleanor <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Nov 21, 2007 1:30 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: [MUSEUM-L] how not to burn bridges
>
>The museum for which I work is entirely underfunded, poorly managed,
>and understaffed. Our staff size of 3 means that I fill a variety of
>professional roles, including subject curator, registrar, collections
>manager, exhibit research & development, exhibit fabrication, &
>fundraising (among others, like cashier & tour guide!). I am grateful
>for the many opportunities this position has given me -- it has
>exposed me to museum work that I never would have been given the
>chance to try in larger institutions. However, the flip side is that
>all of these responsibilities have left me overwhelmed & WAY
>over-stressed. After a year of 60+ hour weeks with no end in sight I
>have concluded that my work situation is unsustainable.
>
>I applied for other museum jobs. With job interviews around the
>corner, how does one address the question "Why are you looking for
>work" or "Why did you leave your last position" tactfully without
>attacking my current employer? How do I answer why I am leaving my
>employment after such a (relatively) short time? Finally, how do I
>address why I am interested in work that appears to be a step down on
>the career ladder, going from what appears to be a very high-level of
>responsibility to a job that is only one component of what I do now?
>(for instance, going from my current responsibilities to "only" being
>a collections manager). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
>
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