Back on the fence

Message

Ritterskoop · #1 Post by **Ritterskoop** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:57 am

I have had calls all morning from Observer people wanting me to stay:

My department head (who I like a lot and who has been good to me)

the managing editor (who I admire a great deal)

and the editor-in-chief (who spent 45 minutes telling me why I am the kind of person who can help get the paper through this next transition)

They have to finalize this stuff by the end of the day, to tell others who are losing their jobs. I hate the feeling that my staying means someone else has to go, but I know I did not create that situation and I should not feel guilty about it. They are grownups and can find themselves new jobs.

It is flattering and all that to be wanted. I don't know how to get beyond the feeling that we are just sticking our fingers in the dams, though. I know they understand there has to be a new business model, but I can't see what that model is from where I sit. But they are only asking me to stay another year.

Argh.

a1mamacat · #2 Post by **a1mamacat** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:00 am

What did I miss?

themanintheseersuckersuit · #3 Post by **themanintheseersuckersuit** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:02 am

So what's best for Ellyn?

Ritterskoop · #4 Post by **Ritterskoop** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:09 am

a1mamacat wrote:What did I miss?

I am debating whether to take a buyout, and maybe get an advisor job on campus or on an ethics hotline or teaching high school English.

I am also trying to figure out the future of the newspaper/news media industry, which smarter people than me can't predict.

So it's a big task for the next few hours.

mellytu74 · #5 Post by **mellytu74** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:17 am

I know you are concerned that the business will fold under you.

If you stay the year, will you still get the buyout $$ and support mechanisms such as job searching assistance/support?

Could you get it in writing that you would get the buyout $$$, since you are staying as a favor to people you like?

I was thinking that you could maybe search for the job through your waning days at the newspaper. That way, eight months down the road, have something lined up for a year from now.

SportsFan68 · #6 Post by **SportsFan68** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:25 am

Can't think of anything nonlame to put into the discussion. So I'll say good luck -- whatever you decide, I hope it turns out for the best.

PlacentiaSoccerMom · #7 Post by **PlacentiaSoccerMom** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:50 am

Ritterskoop wrote:
a1mamacat wrote:What did I miss?
I am debating whether to take a buyout, and maybe get an advisor job on campus or on an ethics hotline or teaching high school English.

I am also trying to figure out the future of the newspaper/news media industry, which smarter people than me can't predict.

So it's a big task for the next few hours.

I think that there will always be newspapers.

I like reading the news and receiving the ads and the coupons. Jeff likes the crossword puzzles. Emma likes the comics and Maddie likes the Movie/TV section. To be perfectly honest, even though I can get my news online, it's nice to read while eating a bowl of cereal or while doing other things.

PlacentiaSoccerMom · #8 Post by **PlacentiaSoccerMom** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:50 am

Ritterskoop wrote:I have had calls all morning from Observer people wanting me to stay:

My department head (who I like a lot and who has been good to me)

the managing editor (who I admire a great deal)

and the editor-in-chief (who spent 45 minutes telling me why I am the kind of person who can help get the paper through this next transition)

They have to finalize this stuff by the end of the day, to tell others who are losing their jobs. I hate the feeling that my staying means someone else has to go, but I know I did not create that situation and I should not feel guilty about it. They are grownups and can find themselves new jobs.

It is flattering and all that to be wanted. I don't know how to get beyond the feeling that we are just sticking our fingers in the dams, though. I know they understand there has to be a new business model, but I can't see what that model is from where I sit. But they are only asking me to stay another year.

Argh.

What would make you happiest?

ulysses5019 · #9 Post by **ulysses5019** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:49 am

PlacentiaSoccerMom wrote:
Ritterskoop wrote:
a1mamacat wrote:What did I miss?
I am debating whether to take a buyout, and maybe get an advisor job on campus or on an ethics hotline or teaching high school English.

I am also trying to figure out the future of the newspaper/news media industry, which smarter people than me can't predict.

So it's a big task for the next few hours.
I think that there will always be newspapers.

I like reading the news and receiving the ads and the coupons. Jeff likes the crossword puzzles. Emma likes the comics and Maddie likes the Movie/TV section. To be perfectly honest, even though I can get my news online, it's nice to read while eating a bowl of cereal or while doing other things.

Yep. As long as there are birds in cages and fish in the fishmarket.

Ritterskoop · #10 Post by **Ritterskoop** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:24 pm

I told them I will stay.

silvercamaro · #11 Post by **silvercamaro** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:30 pm

Ritterskoop wrote:I told them I will stay.

I have no doubt that you made the right decision for you for this time in your life. If you ever change your mind later, there's always a Plan B.

Ritterskoop · #12 Post by **Ritterskoop** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:39 pm

I have never been courted like that before. I think maybe now they see what I was trying to get at, about doing more tutoring or teaching or mentoring. I think they will make some of that happen in the new world.

Or not. But until I get this insulin-resistance deal worked out, I should not be making drastic changes in other areas. The stability of a nice paycheck and good health care plan will help with that.

I am still teaching two courses in the fall, so that's not going away.

Thanks everyone for the support.

tlynn78 · #13 Post by **tlynn78** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 2:31 pm

There is always a reason for things happening the way they do, even if it takes us a while to decipher them. Best o' luck, Skoopy.

t.

peacock2121 · #14 Post by **peacock2121** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:15 am

Glad I read the whole thread.

Glad you are off the fence.

I know you will have this be valuable for you.

I also know it will be valuable for the paper.

WWTBAM Bored

Back on the fence

Back on the fence

Re: Back on the fence