Question:  I am finding that in my current role, there seems to be a glass ceiling regardless of having earned three promotions during my tenure. Complicating this issue is that I live in a state with a poor reputation for education which concerns us for our two sons. I have looked at charter, magnet and private schools.  The public options are still not wonderful. The private schools are way too expensive for our budget. Even the parochial schools are demanding top dollar.

We have ties in another state, and, at least from an education perspective, we will have better options as a family there. Is it time to move?

Answer:  Although employers must refrain from asking direct questions about family affiliations in the hiring process, it is clear that family considerations sometimes drive career decisions.  As this pertains to you, coupled with the fact that you are not seeing room for your professional advancement, it sounds like now is, indeed, the time to make a move.

Even though you feel you’ve hit a glass ceiling, your promotions are going to serve you well because of the initiative, energy and drive you exhibited to achieve your current level. Therefore, do an inventory of your current skills, the leadership you have shown and the ways in which you want to grow professionally.  Let this list guide your search career opportunities. Also, revisit your resume, and tailor it to meet the specs of your target group of companies and organizations in your area of choice.

With regard to the state in which you have other ties, I would want to know if you have a family or other legitimate residence there that you can use on your resume.  Prospective employers sometimes shy away from even looking at out-of-state candidates because they see them as complicated or remote.  (This analysis operates independent of any relocation costs or considerations.)  If you have an address that works and legitimate ties to the state, I recommend using it.

It most definitely sounds as though your current situation is not conducive to the goals you have both professionally and personally. When that happens, it is time to strongly consider making a big move.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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