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[tridaddy]

I took what I thought would be my last academic administrative position just over 7 months ago. The position is a university-wide administrator for research and graduate studies. The job was moving along wonderfully until a change in upper administration occurred, which has brought all efforts to an absolute stand still. As it turns out we have upper administration positions being filled by interims. There is no way to predict how long it will be before these positions are filled. Am I being impatient or is seeking another position now a prudent move? Any advice on when is too early and how to explain the reason for seeking another position without sounding vindictive or whiny? A move so soon is not what I wish to do, but who wants to endure being miserable and unable to make a positive difference where they work -- not me.

[sibyl]

You'd bear a heavy burden of proof if you started actively looking now.  Many, perhaps most, SCs will be immediately suspicious.  Why is this person leaving so soon?  Can't handle adversity?  Why didn't this person try to make the most of the situation?  Is this person going to run out on us if everything doesn't go exactly according to plan?  It's not unusual in higher education for leadership changes to delay things for several months; just how impatient is this person?

On the other hand, it's not impossible.  If the change of administration has removed your direct supervisor, then no one will blame you for looking; you came in to work for a person and now that person is gone.  You say you hoped this would be your last administrative job; maybe you think that while someone younger could afford to give up a couple of years to this job, you can't at this point in your career.  All of that is fine, but you will need to make a plausible case in your cover letter.