Recently, I took a job as a supervisor at a multi-branch library system in a very rural part of the country. The pay is great for the area (though still not quite where I want to be), the location is nice (but still not quite where I want to be), the system itself is active and worth working in (though still not QUITE where I want to be).
One reason I took the job was because the director would be retiring soon, and she made it clear to me that the board hoped that I would be able to move in and fill her position once she left. However, she ended up leaving much sooner than expected. The board is impressed by me, but I have only had the job three months and they simply are not comfortable advancing me that quickly. So, they have passed me up and are considering other options.
I completely understand their decision and respect it, but for me this is a bit of a blow to my professional plans. As I said, this system is good but not exactly where I wanted to work. It's too rural, the pay where I am now is too low, and the community is not as interesting as I'd like. However, I took it because I knew I could advance quickly to a position where I would both enjoy my work and be earning the sort of income necessary to save for my FIRE. Now, however, I may have to wait five, ten, or even twenty years before the position swings open again. So, I'm looking at finding work elsewhere.
Is three months too soon to start trying to leave? Would it hamper my career down the road? I hate to leave so soon (especially because they are a great bunch, even if it isn't quite where I want to be), but I have to consider my own career. I was looking to advance to (for me) a terminal position in a few years. Now, it may not happen for a decade. And there is no other area for advancement here, so my only option is to look elsewhere. I'd like some outside perspective on this.
