Perhaps mention your concern for the future and you want to continue in the type of work you are doing and your desire to work closer to home (you mentioned the commute) You are wise not to get personal with the answer (you never know when a new boss might end up being one of the old bad guys so to speak) Good luck and we'll be thinking of you

A prospective new employer really doesn't need to know how you feel about the new changes in your current job. Try to keep your reasons positive. The commute is a reasonable concern for you especially with the cost of fuel so unstable these days. If you can relate the changes in a non-judgemental way then by all means do so but try not to show that you have bad feelings for your fellow employees or management personnel. A concern for the stability of your particular job is reasonable along with an inquiry into how stable your interviewer thinks the overall industry is doing. You are probably pretty comfortable in your current field (mental health) but, accounting is pretty much the same in any business. All business have their specific quirks that you would have to learn but the basic accounting principals remain the same. You might want to consider spreading your wings and try something new that will encourange you to expand your horizons. Change is good.

Can you just stick to the commute? That would be enough for many people. If my math is correct, you are spending over 7 hours a week on the road.

Is the new company one you've often admired or thought it would be a good place to work? You can throw that in as a kicker. Are there more opportunities for personal growth at the new company, advancement? Also, if you don't know much about the company, find out a little more if you can.

You don't want to be criticizing your current company.

Anyway, that's my two cents. Good luck!! I have a feeling you'll do fine. Do let us know.

I would not reflect on your future looking back in this situation. But rather let them know you would like to expand your horizens with a different company. You are in a great field, so not to let your interviewer know that you are uneasy with your current situation, or its possible short comings, but rather that you are looking to better yourself in different atmospheres.

Trin

Thanks. The commute is certainly valid. I currently drive 90 min. & 92 miles round-trip. This would be 20-25 min. & 20 miles round-trip. I do have a company vehicle so I'm not paying for the gas, but that doesn't get me back the time I spend driving. I've done this enough to know not to criticize my present or past company or managers. I have been applying to other firms for accounting & management positions, but right now the only industry that's hiring much seems to be healthcare - and not much of that!

I also planned to mention growth. This is a newly opened facility for a growing company. My company, on the other hand, has been contracting & closing offices.

I wanted to see what you all thought. I read once not to use the commute issue because it sounds like you're whining. I don't look at it that way. Cutting down unnecessary time spent on a commute so you can use your time better seems perfectly valid to me. In my case, I would be saving app. 5 hrs/week.

"This job, though, is with another mental health firm, though they provide a completely different type service than what my current company does."

Perhaps you feel you've reached your potential in your current place of employment are seeking something different or perhaps more of a challenge?

I wouldn't make the commute the primary issue, but characterize it as "the icing on the cake". Perhaps note that with the 5 hours you won't be commuting, you'll have that much more energy (not hours per se) to offer the new employer.

Mentioning your attraction to the new, growing facility is good. I.e., growth offers new challenges and opportunities for the company, but also for you to grow your professional skills and career. Also, since they offer different services, you'll also be expanding your horizons on that front as well.

Good luck!