a question to people involved in print media(journalists especially)?
paulie asked:
i’m really interested in becoming a journalist.. freelancing i heard pays better… but i’ve also heard that journalists don’t earn much… is this true??? i’m going to write anyway but will i need another job along with writing if i want to make a good amount of money???
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Filed Under Media & Journalism |
Tagged With Amount Of Money, Becoming A Journalist, Job
Comments
3 Responses to “a question to people involved in print media(journalists especially)?”
I hate to tell you this, but I suggest that you stay far away from any kind of journalism.
The reason is really quite simple, it sounds to me like you are thinking of journalism for the wrong reason…financial reward.
I spent my entire career in journalism (well, almost entire) and never, EVER knew anyone who did well in the field because of the monetary return.
Journalism is entered because a person has the driving wish to become a journalist, to inform, to teach, to be involved…not for the money.
Besides, while you can make a living in the field, only a tiny percentage of journalists “become rich.”
Plumbers and electricians make more…think about that field.
Let me put it bluntly, I was an editor and newspaper owner and if I interviewed you and found out you were after the money…I’d put your application at the bottom of the heap…wrong motivation. Sorry.
I’m not going to discourage you like the other guy - I think it’s great that you want to report. No, the money isn’t really great, but you should consider a stable full time job while you’re freelancing on the side.
I work full time for a newspaper as a staffer and I do freelancing for them on the side, too. If you have a college education and a good writing background, that will help you get a better job. BUT, there are plenty of jobs for reporters that you should look into - such as public relations or copy-editing. Don’t limit yourself to one publication and reporting for them - spread yourself around, join writer’s groups and see if there is potential to branch out within the field.
Good luck!
If you truly love the work, then I say go for it. But keep in mind Wolf Blitzers are one in a million. But hey, you never know. The more you’re out there, the better your odds of being in the right place at the right time.