Hi Annie,
I was in a similar position a couple of years ago.  After 4 years I
began to experience physical symptoms from the stress and as the
situation was unlikely to change I knew it was time for me to go.

I explained my leaving as wanting to explore new opportunities and I
expressed that I felt I had learned and contributed as much as I could
at that position and it was time for new challenges. (This is also what
I told my boss when I resigned.) In the interviews it was noted that I
was responsible for many different duties including one entire
department-made up of me ;). I kept it positive by focusing on how the
varied experiences gave me a wide variety of skills and knowledge and
how these would benefit my new employer.  

In going to "just" collections management you will be able to learn
about that area much more comprehensively then when your attention is
divided among 5 (or more)jobs.  You could say that you have had the
opportunity to learn about many different aspects of museum work and now
want to concentrate more fully on collections management (or whatever)
as you find it the most compelling, interesting, etc.  And at the
current job you don't have the opportunity to pursue this. This is also
a reason why you are looking for a new position.  

Best of luck-
Deidre Dowling

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Annie Eleanor
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 1:31 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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