I studied media/journalism and PR during undergrad. I went the PR route because I was told “that’s where the money is”. 6+ Years Into PR, I established myself financially and professionally, but I absolutely hated the industry. I wanted so badly to return to journalism and narrate the stories that were underreported but mattered. After reading this, I feel even more at a loss. Is it worth pursuing this career path that sounds so unstable?
Your comment is gonna make me cry! I feel you, my mom wanted me to go into PR if I was gonna study comms /also/ because that's where the money is. It's so complicated. I think there's a lot of soul searching involved and being honest with yourself about what you can and can't handle re: the issues I mentioned, if you can jump in head first, or if you can still work part time or full time elsewhere and pitch freelance pieces on the side, etc. From what I've experienced freelance budgets are getting smaller but they still might be more accessible than going for staff/contractor positions right now, given that so many more staffers are suddenly out of work (I only do a bit of freelancing on top of contracting so anyone else feel free to correct me on this). If you're safer financially maybe you'd feel more comfortable trying things out, then making a bigger decision after. I know that it's not encouraging to consider what you've just read but I think there are still many reasons to try journalism (its a public service, you can speak truth to power), both things can be true. I think if I were in your position I'd still be curious, and maybe I'd think a lot about what I would have room to do in journalism given what I know about what's happening. I don't think it's impossible to live in this world partially but my opinions on that are founded in my own experience doing part time or/and permalancing bit for several months out of these last four years, and knowing what I'm capable of because of that. I hope that helps!
This was a very good, albeit painful read, I think across a lot of industries a lot of workers are asking similar questions, how can we find that stability, but without burning ourselves out or compromising who we are.
For sure, I see that line of thinking from my family too, and friends who work in the tech industry. It’s hard to hang in there and want to do what you love when you’re navigating a difficult work situation in the first place, let alone when you’re fielding job insecurity.
Can’t Bernie throw y’all a bone? It’s worth the investment for continuing his legacy.
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Done and done!
Thank you :)
I studied media/journalism and PR during undergrad. I went the PR route because I was told “that’s where the money is”. 6+ Years Into PR, I established myself financially and professionally, but I absolutely hated the industry. I wanted so badly to return to journalism and narrate the stories that were underreported but mattered. After reading this, I feel even more at a loss. Is it worth pursuing this career path that sounds so unstable?
Your comment is gonna make me cry! I feel you, my mom wanted me to go into PR if I was gonna study comms /also/ because that's where the money is. It's so complicated. I think there's a lot of soul searching involved and being honest with yourself about what you can and can't handle re: the issues I mentioned, if you can jump in head first, or if you can still work part time or full time elsewhere and pitch freelance pieces on the side, etc. From what I've experienced freelance budgets are getting smaller but they still might be more accessible than going for staff/contractor positions right now, given that so many more staffers are suddenly out of work (I only do a bit of freelancing on top of contracting so anyone else feel free to correct me on this). If you're safer financially maybe you'd feel more comfortable trying things out, then making a bigger decision after. I know that it's not encouraging to consider what you've just read but I think there are still many reasons to try journalism (its a public service, you can speak truth to power), both things can be true. I think if I were in your position I'd still be curious, and maybe I'd think a lot about what I would have room to do in journalism given what I know about what's happening. I don't think it's impossible to live in this world partially but my opinions on that are founded in my own experience doing part time or/and permalancing bit for several months out of these last four years, and knowing what I'm capable of because of that. I hope that helps!
This was a very good, albeit painful read, I think across a lot of industries a lot of workers are asking similar questions, how can we find that stability, but without burning ourselves out or compromising who we are.
For sure, I see that line of thinking from my family too, and friends who work in the tech industry. It’s hard to hang in there and want to do what you love when you’re navigating a difficult work situation in the first place, let alone when you’re fielding job insecurity.