Job-seeking behaviour.

I just applied for a federal service job in a field totally unrelated to mine – the first job I’ve applied for in at least three years – which is to say, I’m officially looking to get out of here at the first opportunity that looks good.

I know, it seems unlikely that I will actually leave here – but after seven years in the same workplace, I’m thinking it is time for a change. This feeling has been intensified recently by some ongoing stressed internal dynamics and the appointment of our new Communications Director who I find incredibly difficult to work with. It’s too bad really, as only a few months ago I was feeling really good about work – but I am really disappointed with the choice in new Director that was made for us, and I’m afraid that I won’t be able to work under someone who I don’t respect for any long period of time. It’s awful too, after years of only having female directors, that all of a sudden we got another carbon-copy male bureaucrat in the position instead (straight out of Ottawa – no doubt).

Of course, I don’t make it easy on myself since I have it pretty good here and don’t want to give up too much. I think it will be some time before I find something that makes a suitable replacement (I’ve given myself a year to find new work). Essentially I don’t want to leave the federal government, would like to work in Victoria (I would like to merge the places I live and work once again and it seems it is time to move back there), and don’t want to take much of a pay cut (though I am willing to go down at least a level if the right opportunity comes along). If nothing turns up in the next year, then I am willing to consider provincial government opportunities – but since they pay so much less in my field, I would really rather not. Plus, I would like to stay in my union if at all possible…. I guess it will all depend on how desparate I am to get out of here over the next few months. As was pointed out to me, with all the retirements going on, it is mainly a matter of patience until something comes up.

This feeling of needing to change jobs comes on me periodically – probably about once a year, and usually passes without too much serious consideration – it is entirely possible that I will not go anywhere, but since it is coupled with a desire to move back to the Island, I’m feeling a bit more serious about it this time.

We’ll see.