Career Journal: When the Call Comes

In 1981, the English punk rock band, The Clash, asked the lyrical question, 'Should I Stay or Should I Go?' In 2007, that was the question many law firm marketing executives had to be asking themselves as a flurry of newly created or vacated Chief Marketing Officer positions came about. One only needed to put a baby toe in the job market waters to attract some attention ' usually from multiple suitors. The temptation was great. In 2008, despite some law firms feeling the brunt of the economic woes besieging the country, many are still in the hunt for marketing talent. It should come as no surprise that when you combine that temptation with the general dissatisfaction felt by most, you have so many willing to take the leap. According to the first annual CMO Survey conducted by Law Firm, Inc. last year, 62% of respondents commented that their jobs would be easier if partners had a better understanding of what marketing entails, suggesting how unhappy many are with their situation. Moreover, nearly a third expected to be looking for a new job within five years. This has created a perfect storm in the market recently ' dissatisfaction with current roles stirred by opportunity for new ones ' a recipe for movement.