You can simply say that in your next position you would like to focus your work in the one area you feel you can make the best contribution. (of course that "one area" will be the specific job opening!) Julia Muney Moore Public Art Administrator Blackburn Architects, Indianapolis, IN (317) 875-5500 x219 -----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. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).